Sister M. Jude Carroll

Born Judith Ann Carroll, Sister Jude entered into the world on January 3, 1942, the youngest of three children born to John and Ruth (Adams) Carroll. Upon graduation from elementary school, Sister entered Stamford High School. In June of 1959, she enrolled in the University of Connecticut and earned a degree in English. Sister Jude went on the work in the Social Security office for 11 years rising from the position of claims representative to branch manager.

Sister entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth on February 6, 1977. During her years in Nazareth, Sister earned a Master Degree in Religious Education from Fairfield University, Fairfield, and a graduate certificate in Spirituality from St. Joseph College, Hartford. Sister ministered as DRE in three parishes – St. Hyacinth Parish, Glen Head, New York, Our Lady of the Lakes, Oakdale, Connecticut and St. Joseph Parish, Shelton, Connecticut. Sister also assisted with retreat activities at the House of Prayer, Riverhead, New York.

Sister contracted polio at the age of eight which left her with paralysis in her left leg. Later in life, she was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, a debilitating muscular disease, an after effect of polio, which attacks multiple areas of the body. As her muscular system progressively weakened, Sister retired from ministry in 2004 and in August of 2017 was admitted as a resident of St. John Paul II Facility, Danbury, - a skilled nursing facility.

While at St. John Paul II Facility, Sister could be seen on her powered wheelchair visiting with patients, listening to and encouraging them and praying with and for them. She served as lector at the daily Mass and joined in the recreational activities offered at the facility. As her health continued to decline, she found herself less able to participate in activities of any kind. Eventually, Sister became bedridden which did not hamper her spirit. She continued to read her daily newspaper, keeping up with the current events. She looked forward to visits from her family and friends. After hospitalization in March, Sister could no longer fight the disease and returned to St. John Paul II facility where she died in the afternoon of April 23, 2023.

Sister Jude was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ruth Carroll and her sister, Barbara Baker. She is survived by her brother, Jack Carroll, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Funeral services will be private.