Judith P. McKnight

A graduate of Mount St. Mary Academy, Class of 1959, Judy then received a bachelor’s degree in education from Salve Regina University.

She worked as an early childhood teacher in Norton, Pawtucket and many Attleboro schools over the course of 20 years. She was extremely involved in Child Development, on Early Childhood Advisory Councils, developing curriculum standards and grant writing in the Town of Attleboro especially pertaining to the Young Children’s Community Center. She took extreme pride in bettering her own knowledge and education by doing outside coursework in order to learn how to better assess and ready the youngest of our children for their education journeys.

And after retirement she continued to share her gifts with her great niece as well as all of her friends and neighbors’ children. She would do arts and crafts, reading and other projects while enjoying her time with them.

Another of Judy’s greatest loves, besides her nieces and her work, was South Shore Beach in Little Compton. She had a cottage for several years and took advantage of all it had to offer, from being outdoors to the social aspect, and of course her gardening and happy hour.

On August 16, 1967, after several years of formation, Judy made her perpetual vows in the Act of Profession, to the Sisters of Mercy, where she also received her religious name, Sister Mary Paul. Unfortunately, Judy had to leave her vows due to medical issues. However, Judy’s call to live a life dedicated to the works of mercy was again formalized through her covenant with the Sisters of Mercy as a Mercy Associate in 2007. She lived out her commitment to community, prayer and ministry faithfully and joyfully. Her presence at Mercy gatherings was marked by kindness and gentleness. Each year Judy organized an annual gathering to St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Fall River to offer flowers for deceased members of the Sisters of Mercy. She visited sisters regularly at Franklin Court and Mount St. Rita and she would take sisters to visit family or to other gatherings. She volunteered on Mery Day Committee every September as well.

Judy lived at Christopher Heights for some time and enjoyed being a part of their monthly newsletter. And when she went to Madonna Manor, she was well known for helping other residents with their daily tasks, as well as with arts and crafts.

Judy was a very proud independent woman who fought hard through her many medical issues. Her family joked she more lives than a cat, which is a testament to her fight strength and the overall zest she had for her joy in life.

She is survived by three nieces, Susan Thiboutot, Husband John Chicharro of Fall River, Amy Thiboutot of Pawtucket, RI and great niece Alexandra J. Chicharro of Warwick, RI.

Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 11:00AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Rose E. Sullivan, 866 County St., Somerset. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be held prior to her service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Contributions in Judy’s honor may be made to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Northeast Community, 15 Highland View Rd., Cumberland, RI 02864-1124. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.