Mary Agnes Malburg

Sister Mary Agnes Malburg, XS, the last member of the Xavier Sisters, died on May 11, 2020 in Sterling Heights, Michigan. She was born in what was then called Sterling Township in Macomb County, Michigan on January 7, 1936 to John and Agnes (Rhein) Malburg. Sister Mary Agnes, baptized Martha Clara, was one of nine sisters and brothers, Helen, Leo, Louise, George, John, Irene, Andrew, and Sylvester. She was the second from the youngest child in the Malburg household. After completing her early education, she was employed at National Machine Products for seven years before entering a newly formed Congregation in the Archdiocese of Detroit, the Catholic Mission Sisters of St Francis Xavier, generally known as the Xavier Sisters. Founded by Edward A. Cardinal Mooney, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit, in 1946, this Congregation was established to serve the poor in the Detroit area as well as Japan which was slowly recovering from the effects of World War II. Sister Mary Agnes entered the community September 24, 1963 where she was greeted by the founding superior, Sister Miriam Kennedy. After the prescribed canonical novitiate and formation program, Sister Mary Agnes pronounce perpetual vows in the presence of her community, family and friends. In addition to work in the city of Detroit, Sister Mary Agnes served briefly in Japan where the community established two hostels, one in Kochi and one in Tokashima. Sister returned to her missionary activities in the Archdiocese of Detroit where she assisted with great kindness hundreds of homeless, adolescent girls and adults who were struggling financially and psychologically. Some of her ministries also included Heartline, a live-in house for women completing jail terms, as well as Medilodge Nursing Home, Fraser Villa and American House where she provided spiritual services for the residents. She was also charged with maintaining financial records for her congregation. The Xavier Sisters built their Motherhouse in Clinton Township on Moravian and Fifteen Mile Road, and subsequently sold it to the Discalced Carmelite Sisters. During the challenging decades following the Second Vatican Council, the Xavier Sisters experienced a diminishment of membership. The last three sisters in the Xavier Sisters community included Sister Mary Carmel Cagno, Sister Miriam Kennedy, foundress, and Sister Mary Agnes Malburg, who lived in their convent home on Moravian Drive just north of Metro Parkway where they continued various small-group ministries. A resident of American House since November 2016, Sister Mary Agnes passed away peacefully in Sterling Heights. She is survived by her sister Irene Brender, brothers Sylvester and Andrew, and several nieces and nephews. Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home in Utica will arrange burial services. A graveside prayer service at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township will take place on Friday, May 15, 2020 at 10 a.m. Funeral services will include a Memorial Mass at St. Michael Church, Sterling Hts. at a future date.

Mary Agnes Malburg

January 7, 1936 - May 11, 2020