Sr. Judith Ann Shimek

Shimek, Sister Judith Ann, 86, was born in Elma, IA on March 6, 1935 and entered eternal life November 4, 2021 at Marian Hall of the Congregation of St. Joseph in Wichita, KS. She was one of eight children born to William A. Shimek and Frances Kuhn Shimek. Her birth was a complicated one leaving her disabled with cerebral palsy. Along with her siblings she began her education in a little one room country school near their rural home. After a few years, the family moved to Waterloo, IA which allowed her to complete elementary school in St. John parish school. Her autobiography she stated that she did not go to high school but began working as the local trusted baby sitter doing light housekeeping and caring for children when parents were hospitalized or had to be gone for extended times. She became acquainted with the Sisters of St. Joseph when one came to visit her family in Waterloo. A year later, Sister Judith Ann applied to the congregation and was accepted in June of 1955. She received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph the following March 19, 1956, first profession July 26, 1958, and final profession July 26, 1961. Her disabilities did not keep her from enthusiastically participating in the activities of religious life in work and prayer. She spent 65 years of ministry as a housekeeper. She used her gifts to the best of her ability and those with whom she lived were blessed by them. Her parents and two siblings, Conrad Shimek and Carolyn preceded her in death. In addition to the Sisters and Associates of the Congregation she is survived by brothers William and George Shimek, sisters Virginia McBride, Dorothy Condon, Mary Ann Gloe. Due to the continuing Covid pandemic, services for Sr. Judith Ann will be in private for the immediate family and the Sisters of St. Joseph. Memorials for Sr. Judith Ann may be sent to the Retirement Fund for the Sisters of St. Joseph or to Dear Neighbor or StepStone at 3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, KS 67218.