Sr. Maria Jozefa Brunenberg SSpSAp

Sr. Maria Jozefa Brunenberg SSpSAp, 91, born Anna Maria Hubertina Brunenberg in Schaesberg, Netherlands on June 26, 1934, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her Sisters in community (Pink Sisters) on Friday October 24, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Helena Brunenberg. Before she joined our Congregation, she attended a boarding school run by the Holy Spirit Mission Sisters with her sister Fienie.

Sr. Maria Jozefa entered our Motherhouse in Steyl, Netherlands in 1953 and made her first profession of vows in November 1956. In 1958, she left her homeland and travelled for the United States. With the generous spirit of a missionary, even such a young Sister, she made the sacrifice and followed the call of the Holy Spirit. She made her final vows in St. Louis, MO 1961. Besides serving more than fifty years here at Mount Grace, she has also spent some time at our convent in Philadelphia, PA. She would remain in St. Louis for the rest of her life.

Sr. Maria Jozefa was a talented artist and enjoyed painting, drawing and calligraphy. Sr. Ma. Jozefa oversaw the Printing Room and was the main Calligrapher for the Enrollment Cards in the Correspondence Room. She suffered a bad fall in May of 2006, where her cheekbone was fractured and she began suffering from double vision and other ailments. She was a good teacher. She taught the Sisters how to write Calligraphy. She knew all the tricks. She was smart and witty, but verbose. Her character was warm, cheerful, and even a bit mischievous. She liked to crack jokes and was highly creative in making costumes and props for entertainment. She liked to be informed about every happening in the house. When she was confined to her room this was no longer possible, and she loudly complained about it. Then, when nothing happened, she did not mention it anymore. This became a pattern throughout her life. In her later years she was gradually retiring from her usual work positions and tried to help in any way she could. She assisted in the Dining Room doing small chores and was incredibly happy. When she decided to stay in her room, she had lost her hearing almost 100%. For a social person like her, that must have been exceedingly difficult, but she managed it better. She always received everyone with a big smile, and she liked to read especially about the Blessed Virgin Mary and lives of the Saints.

Sister will also be fondly remembered for her enjoyment of sweets. We used to cringe when she would add sugar to a cherry pie, or to some other dessert because they were “sour.” She eagerly ate the frosting off the cakes because it was the best part. It is a miracle that even though she lost one toe she did not have diabetes. It would have killed her because she ate nothing but sweets. May she now bask in the sweetness of the Lord and taste of His goodness!

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday October 28, 2025, at 2:00pm at Mt. Grace Convent, 1438 E. Warne Ave., St. Louis, MO 63107. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Mt. Grace Convent, P.O. Box 21627 St. Louis, MO 63109.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.