Judith McKenna

Sister Judith McKenna, CSC, born Grace Judith McKenna on May 17, 1930, in Washington, DC, died peacefully of a blood illness on September 11, 2025, at St. Mary's Convent in Notre Dame, IN. Judy was the daughter of Harry McKenna and Grace (Sartwell) McKenna, and the sister of Patricia Halpin (James) and Gerald McKenna, all of whom predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her brother-in-law, James Halpin, and four of her nephews. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Helen (Martin) McKenna, and a host of nieces, nephews, their spouses, and their children and grandchildren. Judy attended Blessed Sacrament School ('44), and The Academy of the Holy Cross ('48). She received her BA from Dunbarton College of Holy Cross ('65) and her master's degree from Catholic University ('76).
She entered the Congregation of Holy Cross in early 1950 and made her initial profession of vows three years later. For the next 51 years she served as a beloved and esteemed teacher and administrator at local Holy Cross elementary/middle schools and also in Ohio , North Carolina and Virginia. In 2004 she retired from her career in education but continued to contribute as a volunteer for six more years at Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR!).
Judy's funeral service was held previously. If you remember her fondly, please consider a donation in her name to the Sisters of the Holy Cross at www.cscsisters.org/donate/, or SOAR! at https://soar-usa.org/donate/.