In 1948, after graduating Reitz Memorial High School, she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to enter the Franciscan Sisters.

A mathematics graduate of Alverno College in 1953[3] and of Marquette University,[4] she taught mathematics at Alverno College, at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, and elsewhere around Milwaukee, including at the then-new St. Joseph High School (Kenosha) when it opened in September 1957.

Drufenbrock gained a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana in 1963.

[5] Her interest in social issues led her to join the Socialist Party USA in 1976.

She ran as their vice-presidential candidate in the 1980 United States presidential election,[6] and served as that party's National Treasurer.