Maria Agnes Hermeler was born in Westfalen, Germany on July 12, 1902, the third of seven children. She came to America in August, 1922 with a group of postulants recruited by Sister M. Bernard Willman and entered our convent at Clyde. Maria Agnes received the Benedictine habit on Aug. 25, 1923; pronounced her first vows on Aug. 30, 1924, receiving the name of Sister M. Notburga. Her final oblation was offered to God on Sept. 1, 1929. Two of her five sisters followed her to Clyde two years later and became Sisters M. Emanuela and Aurea. Sister M. Notburga was consecrated a virgin on Jan. 2, 1953 at Mundelein, and celebrated her Golden Jubilee there in 1974.

The first years of Sister M. Notburga's religious life were spent helping with the outdoor work. Shortly after profession she injured her back and broke her right arm in an accident while helping to harvest apples. After a partial recovery she remained at the infirmary to help care for the sick. Showing a special aptitude for this kind of work, Sister was sent to St. Theresa's Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois for a course in nursing. Returning home to Clyde, she served as infirmarian until June 20, 1951, when she was transferred to the Mundelein priory.

About this time Sister suspected that she had Parkinson’s disease, and this was confirmed in May, 1952. She continued her nursing, and was selfless in her concern for the Sisters, though she experienced an increasing difficulty in the use of her hands and feet and realized that her strength was gradually declining.

During her long years as infirmarian at Clyde, and then at Mundelein, Sister was very devoted in caring for the sick, oblivious of her own convenience or health, though all knew she suffered constantly in later years. Sister's love for adoration and the Divine Office never diminished, and she participated as long as possible, even at the cost of heroic efforts. When no longer able to walk to the chapel, she was taken in a wheelchair. No complaint ever passed her lips about her sufferings, limitations, etc. She accepted all in a cheerful spirit of resignation to the holy Will of God, as Sister M. Camillus, who was infirmarian and took care of her for years, could testify.

No longer able to speak or walk or use her hands, Sister eventually required round-the-clock care, and in May, 1975 was taken to the central infirmary at Clyde. The following December she became a pioneer patient at St. Benedict's Health Care Center in St. Louis. During the two remaining years of her life she was completely helpless, but her large blue eyes were always bright and alert and would speak her thanks when her lips were unable to do so. 

Sister received her last anointing on May 18, 1977, along with other Sisters at the Center. On June 12 her Bridegroom came to take her home at 6:00 p.m., just as the Prioress (Sister M. Lucilla) was giving the last blessing at Vespers: "May the Lord bless us and give us peace." It was the feast of Corpus Christi, and the community felt a surge of joy when her passing was announced a few minutes later on June 12, 1977.

Father Wilfred Tunik, O.S.B., from St. Pius X Abbey at Pevely offered the Mass of Christian Burial for Sister on June 14th, after which her two sisters, Sisters M. Emanuela and Aurea, accompanied her remains to Clyde, where burial took place in Mt. Calvary cemetery the following day. Sister was seventy-four years old and had served God in a life of prayer, labor and suffering for fifty-two years. She had endeared herself to many, many people, both inside and outside the convent, but most of all, she must have been especially dear to GOD.