Sister Judith Andrews, SJH, age 85 years, entered into eternal life, Saturday, February 17, 2024, surrounded by the prayers and loving care of her Sisters and health aides at the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope Motherhouse, Bloomsbury, NJ.

Sister Judith had accepted the cross of several health issues during the past few years and continued to unite herself to the heart of Jesus as she faced a serious heart condition which progressed over the past year. Throughout her suffering, she was an inspiration to her sisters and to others as she offered herself to the Lord and awaited His coming to bring her home.

Born in York, PA, on September 18, 1938, the first child of Richard and Louise (Hombach) Andrews. Sister Judith was a proud graduate of York Catholic HS and created life-long friendships there. She also studied Religious Communication at Loyola University in New Orleans, LA, and used the skills she learned there to serve the Church for many years.

Prior to entering the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, Sister Judith worked as editor and writer for the York, PA, Sunday News, Lancaster, PA, New Era, and the Harrisburg, PA, diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Witness. She also worked for nine years as communications director and assistant director for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference of Bishops as well as served on the Interchurch joint ecumenical venture of the Catholic Conference and the PA, Council of Churches.

In 1992, Sister Judith entered the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, professing her vows three years later. Having been a woman of deep faith in God and love for the Catholic Church throughout her life, Sister Judith was eager to offer her life more totally to Christ through her religious life. She had known the Sisters for many years and was attracted to their prayer life and to the possibility of living with “no other spouse” than Jesus. She has spent her religious life deepening that relationship with Jesus and living fully the Way of Life of the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope. Sister Judith also lived with a tender love for Mary, Mother of God. She had learned to pray the Rosary early in life when accompanying her grandmother to pray in Church. Sister Judith called Mary her “close companion” in the journey of life and entrusted to her many heartfelt prayer intentions.

As a Sister of Jesus Our Hope, Sister Judith served for several years in the community apostolate at the Sheepfold Early Childhood Program at Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale, NJ. She cared for both the young children as well as their parents as she so warmly greeted them at the door or spoke with them on the phone. Hers was always a sweet smile and a kind, gentle word which gave hope and comfort to those by whom she was greeted.

Sister Judith served in several other apostolates of the Sisters within the Diocese of Metuchen including at Life Choices Center in Phillipsburg, St. Patrick Church in Belvedere, the McCarrick Care Center in Somerset, Retreat Days for Women held in Flemington and visits to the sick of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in New Brunswick, all in New Jersey. To each of these ministries Sister brought her peaceful, gentle presence and her profound faith in God. She always had a peaceful manner and a gentle prodding that assisted each person in their journey closer to the heart of Jesus and of His Church.

Sister Judith lived her life with a profound faith in God and dedicated service to the Catholic Church. She was kind and loving.  She had a genuine care and concern for others and was always ready to give assistance to relieve the burdens of others. She delighted in sharing about the love of Jesus with others through teachings, personal sharings, and one-on-one conversations.  Sister Judith sincerely sought to live in God’s will with a forever deepening desire to know Him.

Among her many enjoyments in life were writing, reading, photography, singing and planting. She loved the beauty of God’s creation and, especially enjoyed a beautiful garden as well as a pleasant moment with the convent dogs.

More than this, Sister Judith enjoyed time with her Sisters and with her family. She loved each one with great care and was always eager to know about the lives of her nephews and their growing families. She was so proud of them all! She kept in touch with friends and prayed throughout each day for the needs of her loved ones and for all of those whom she met through her ministry. She was truly a “faithful friend” and a “sturdy shelter” for everyone in her life.

Sister Judith’s family and all the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope would like to extend a sincere thank you to those who so beautifully cared for Sister during her final illness – her aides Merve, Nadia, Lydia, and all of her nurses from Ennoble Hospice Care, especially Joan, Robin and Melissa. They were each greatly loved by Sister Judith and by all of her Sisters.

Addition to her parents, Sister Judith is predeceased by her brother, Michael Andrews.

Sister Judith is survived by her sister, Terisa and her husband, Rodney Bucks, her sister, Lorita and her husband, Terry Smeltzer; her nephew, David, nephew, Gregory and his wife, Megan and their children, Michael and Anna; and her nephew, Geoffrey and his wife, Stephanie and their daughters, Dayla and Mira.

Sister Judith will lie in repose on Sunday, February 25, 2024, from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 316 Old Allerton Road, Annadale, NJ 08801. Please follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Ambassadors, who will be assisting with parking upon arrival.

A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Reverend Monsignor Joseph G. Celano, will take place on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Church, 316 Old Allerton Road, Annadale, NJ 08801 with additional visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m – 10:45 a.m. with the Mass starting promptly at 11:00 a.m. Please follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Ambassadors, who will be assisting with parking upon arrival.

Committal prayers and burial in the plot of the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, located in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 830 5th Avenue, Alpha, NJ 08865, will immediately follow the Mass.

Please visit Sister Judith’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a memorial candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make contributions may do so to the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, 376 Bellis Road, Bloomsbury, NJ 08804 or online by clicking HERE

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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