Adele Jiral, 91, of Huntsville (Lakeside Village), passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held in Trinity on Dec. 27 at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 10 a.m.
Born in Shiner, Adele grew up on her family’s farm in Sweet Home, where she spent as much time as possible helping her father in the fields so she could escape from helping with housework. She attended a charming two-room schoolhouse before continuing her education at Yoakum High School. After High School Adele traveled to Denton by bus, where she learned how to use her physics book to get extra studying space on the bus. Using that knowledge, along with her drive for learning, Adele went on to graduate from Texas Woman’s University with a double major in mathematics and physics — a choice that marked the start of a remarkable life journey.
Adele’s dedication to family and her roots led her back to Yoakum to teach at her alma mater, a decision that enriched her career and gave her treasured time with her parents. It was also in Yoakum where she met her lifelong partner, Emil August Jiral, while on leave from the Navy. The couple married on Aug. 16, 1954, and shared 66 beautiful years together until Emil’s passing in 2020.
Adele and Emil built a life filled with love, adventure, and service. Together, they raised three children and moved to Houston, where Adele worked in the Spring Branch Independent School District. She began as a teacher, advancing to grade level principal and later math coordinator, all while pursuing her own advanced degrees. Emil supported the family by working full-time while earning a degree in engineering technology, which led to a successful career with Hunt Tool and Ingersoll Rand. His consulting work with Ingersoll Rand in Sao Paolo, Brazil, late in his career, fueled their love of travel.
In retirement, the couple embraced their shared passions, including traveling the U.S. in their motorhome, which included visiting both coasts and making three trips to Alaska. At their lakeside home near Riverside, they welcomed family and friends, with Emil fishing and Adele charming the neighborhood with her warmth and love of conversation.
Adele’s legacy is one of unwavering love, determination, conversation and community. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Emil; and her parents, Albert and Helen Bleier. She is survived by her three children, Jeannine Jiral (Brad Kizzia), Dennis Jiral (Tamara Jiral), and Jim Jiral (Peggy Jiral); eight grandchildren, Lex Sierra (Blaire), Taylor Jiral (Jackie), Josh Jiral, Cade Jiral, Collin Jiral, Cole Jiral, Bryan Jiral (Katie), and Sharon Wright (Matt); and four great-grandchildren, Frankie Wright, William Wright, Vivian Wright and Leslie Jiral.
Adele’s life was a testament to her strength, her love of learning, and her devotion to family and friends. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.496
