Sr. Mary Judith Guilfoyle

Mary Elizabeth was born to Joseph Patrick and Opal Edith (Roles) Guilfoyle in Turley, Oklahoma, on February 22, 1922. Sister was the oldest of eight children. Her siblings included her brothers: William, Patrick, Thomas, Carl, John, and sisters: Margaret Bond, and infant sister Mildred who died at 7 months of age. Sister's earliest education was in Rock School District 51 in Osage County. She attended high school at St. Agnes Academy in Ardmore, OK. Sister received a B.S. in Education at Mt. St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS. Sister Judith entered the Sisters of Mercy at Webster Groves, MO in February 1942 and made her profession of religious vows on August 16, 1944. Sister's vocation was inspired by the loving examples of Sister Mary Irene Wolfe. Sister was missioned as an elementary school teacher at Immaculate Conception in N. Little Rock and St. John in Hot Springs, AR; St. Patrick in Walnut, KS; St. Joseph, Sacred Heart, John Carroll, in Oklahoma City; St. Benedict in Shawnee, OK; and St. Joseph in Edinburg, TX. Sister furthered her ministry as a Tutor at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Oklahoma City. Sister Judith was humble, kind and understanding. She was able to help young children to believe in their own goodness and potential. Former students often contacted her and remembered her as an outstanding influence in their lives. Following her retirement in 1997 at Mercy Convent, Oklahoma City, Sister's generosity and creative talents continued to bless and enrich all. Throughout her life Sister continued to love and be loved by her family, community members and co-workers. She was always faithful and dedicated to spiritual events, prayer, devotions and activities. Sister was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Orabelle Guilfoyle, beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, Sisters of Mercy, co-workers, friends, former students, Mercy Associates, compassionate physicians and caregivers. Rosary and Prayer Service will be Sunday, January 14th at 3:00 pm at Mercy Health Center Convent, Oklahoma City. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, January 15th at 11:00 am at Mercy Health Center Convent, Oklahoma City and burial following at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Mt. St. Mary Catholic High School, Oklahoma City, OK.