Sister Xavier Gorman, CSA, formerly Mary Agnes Gorman, died on Monday, June 12th, 2023 at Mount Augustine/Regina Health Center in Richfield, Ohio. Sister had just celebrated her 103rd birthday. She was born on June 11th, 1920 in Akron, OH to Harold and Loretto Gorman. One of four children, she was baptized on June 21st, 1920 at St. Vincent Church in Akron. On July 2nd, 1939 she entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and pronounced final vows on September 20th, 1945. Sr. Ignatia Gavin, CSA was her sponsor as she entered the Congregation
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Sister took the religious name Xavier out of her admiration for missionaries, and she indeed became a missionary to countless children, mothers, patients, and friends throughout her years of ministry. From 1942 to 1973, Sr. Xavier cared for children at Parmadale, St. Ann Hospital and DePaul Infant Home. Sister began at Paramadale’s Baby Cottage before she was sent to St. Ann Hospital in 1945. There she served as the supervisor of the children’s floor, where she cared for 75 infants, all 2-4 years old. Sister later returned to Parmadale in 1949, where she was responsible for lovingly caring for 40 young boys of varying ages.
In 1959, Sr. Xavier was appointed Housemother at DePaul Infant Home. Sister worked with 50-60 unwed mothers, whose ages ranged from their early teens through their mid-30’s. Sister stayed in this ministry for 15 years. She put her whole life into working with these women during an incredibly profound time in their lives, and made many lifelong friends.
In 1974, Sr. Xavier served as the Coordinator of the Infirmary at Mt. Augustine. She took classes at Akron University and read every book that she could find on geriatrics so that she could care for her aging Sisters. Sr. Xavier took a leave of absence in 1978 in order to care for her own aging mother.
When she returned to living with the Congregation, Sister worked in the Pastoral Care Department first at St. Vincent Charity Hospital, and then at St. John Hospital. She also worked at the information desk at St. Vincent’s, where she would often give out free meal tickets to hungry members of the neighborhood.
Sr. Xavier retired to Mt. Augustine in 1995. She was an avid volunteer, and served in many areas including at the switchboard, with the activities department, as the chapel sacristan, and in prayer. Sr. Xavier went home to God peacefully, with her CSA Sisters by her side.