Sr. Xavier Ballance, DC, whose lifetime of service and dedication to the Mission of Ascension was so important to the success of the national health ministry, died Friday, August 26, having received hospice care at Providence Hospital in Southfield, part of Ascension Michigan. She was 82.
Known for her sense of justice, Sr. Xavier was a lifelong advocate for those who are poor and vulnerable. A Daughter of Charity for more than 60 years, Sr. Xavier was Sponsor Representative of the Daughters of Charity East Central Province and Chair of the Board of the Daughters of Charity National Health System from 1997 until November 1999, when Ascension was formed.
With more than 40 years of service in healthcare, Sr. Xavier gained vast experience as a President, Chief Executive Officer, Administrator and Assistant Administrator at hospitals throughout the country. Developing satellite and outreach programs, monitoring construction projects, and developing a Catholic-sponsored network PPO were just a few of her accomplishments.
As President of Providence from 1975 to 1986, she was an early proponent and key driver in helping found Providence Park Hospital in Novi. Her visionary leadership was instrumental in helping Providence-Providence Park grow into the healthcare leader it is today.
She served in the East Central Province as Daughters of Charity Provincial Councilor for Health from 1987 until December 1996. She also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville, Indiana, for 11 years.
In recent years, Sr. Xavier served on the boards of Advantage Health Care for the Homeless, Covenant House Michigan, St. Vincent Sarah Fisher Center, Detroit Community Initiative, Guest House, Southeast Michigan Hospital Board, and Ascension’s Michigan Ministry Market.
She most recently served as special advisor to the President of Providence-Providence Park Hospital, which considered her not only the hospital’s spiritual compass, but a business visionary who was always thinking of the future.
Her example of spiritually centered service will continue to inspire the people of Providence-Providence Park, Ascension Michigan and all of Ascension.
