Sister Judith Elms, OSB's Obituary
On Monday, September 28, 2015, Sister Judith Elms, OSB, was called to New Life.
Given the name Carolyn Marie Elms at birth, she was welcomed on March 03, 1931, by her parents John David (JD) Elms, Sr. and Marie Theresa (Hanson) Elms of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Carolyn attended St. Edwards Catholic Grade School where she was taught by Benedictine Sisters. She graduated with high honors from St. Scholastica Academy, Fort Smith, AR in May 1949 and entered Benedictine life shortly thereafter. Sister Judith earned her undergraduate degree from Mount St. Scholastica College, Atchison, KS, and her Masters Degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia--both with high honors.
Throughout her career as an English teacher, Sister Judith was demanding, yet gentle and patient, as she guided her students in Arkansas, Missouri, and Louisiana to achieve their potential. Her final 23 years in the classroom were at Notre Dame Catholic School in Denver, Colorado, from which she retired in 2011 at the age of 80.
Judi also faithfully served her Benedictine Community as a member of the Administrative team for many years and was President of the Sisters of Benedict at the time of her death. She and the Benedictine Sisters with whom she lived, Jane St. Amant and Shawn Conrad, served together for forty-five years, briefly in New Orleans and later in Littleton, Colorado. The three recently returned to Louisiana to live on the Northshore.
Reading and cross-word puzzles were daily activities for Sister Judith. She also loved to garden and cook. She had a longtime devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux and the great women Doctors of the Church. Judi was well-schooled in the writings of Thomas Merton and had great admiration for Dorothy Day and Pope Francis.
Judi is survived by her two brothers: John David Elms, Jr. (Maureen) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Charles Patrick Elms of Morrisville, NC. Just prior to her death, Sister enjoyed vacationing with her brothers on Lake Wilson near Florence, AL. She is also survived by her nephews: Mark Elms (Becky) of Wake Forest, NC; Patrick Elms of Morrisville, NC; Brian Elms of Memphis, TN; Clark Elms (HeeRae) of Seattle, WA. Sister Judith's niece, also her Goddaughter, is Melanie Elms of Oakland, CA.
A very special person in the lives of Sisters Jane, Judi and Shawn is Andrew French, a young man whose mother died early in his life. The Sisters helped Andy’s Dad, Bruce, with his care beginning when Andy was a little over a year old. “Our Boy,” as the Sisters call him, resides with his wife, Kelly and their eight-year-old twin daughters in Omaha, NE.
Other members of the Sisters of Benedict are Sister Catherine Siracusa of Morgan City, LA and Sister Lillian Pawlik of New Orleans.
A time of prayer, reflection and remembrance of Sr. Judith's life will be held on Friday, November 6, 2015 at 10:00AM in Guardian Angel Chapel, located at the Carmelite Monastery, 73530 River Road, Covington, LA. A Memorial Mass will follow at 1:00PM at Saint Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, LA. Interment will be in Saint Joseph Abbey Cemetery immediately following Mass.
It was Sister Judith’s request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Sisters of Benedict Retirement Fund. The address is: 102 Maria Avenue, Abita Springs, LA, 70420.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the E.J. Fielding Funeral Home online Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Judith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Judith?
Share a story where Judith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Judith you’ll never forget.
How did Judith make you smile?
