Sr. Judy Mouch, educator, caregiver, passes away

Judith Ann Mouch, RSM, a beloved Sister of Mercy for 59 years, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. She was 77.

"Sr. Judy was exceptional in every sense of the word," said Detroit Mercy President Donald B. Taylor. "She lived her life always with the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy at the forefront."

Sr. Judy's intellectual rigor, deep faith and good humor made an impact on the lives of countless individuals. She served as a nursing professor at Mercy College of Detroit and University of Detroit Mercy, where she inspired and mentored future healthcare professionals, including some who became her colleagues at Detroit Mercy. She was also an inspiration to many at Detroit Mercy outside of the College of Health Professions and McAuley School of Nursing.

"Sr. Judy was a wonderful mentor and sounding board for me during my transition as president at University of Detroit Mercy," Taylor said. "She especially made sure that my wife was welcomed into the UDM community. We will miss her spirit and wise counsel."

As a pastoral associate at St. Luke Parish in Detroit, she ministered to the spiritual needs of the community. She was also deeply involved in the Migrant Health Ministry advocating for underserved people. Most recently, Sr. Judy was a sponsor affiliate in UDM's Office of Mission Integration, a Mercy liaison position to parallel the position of the Jesuit representative.

A passionate educator and compassionate caregiver, Sr. Judy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Cincinnati, an Advanced Certificate in Nursing (APNRC) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Wayne State University, and a Master of Arts (MA) in Pastoral Ministry from Marygrove College in Detroit.

Born Aug. 17, 1947, in Toledo, Ohio, she responded to her call to religious life on Sept. 8, 1965, when she entered the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Cincinnati, Ohio. She professed temporary vows on Aug. 16, 1968, and perpetual vows on July 29, 1973. Her ring bears the motto: "I thank you my God for this amazing day," a reflection of her grateful and joyful spirit.

In a 2015 interview showcasing the Mercy presence at Detroit Mercy, Sr. Judy talked about her calling and her career as a healthcare educator.

"My bent in nursing has always been community health, which focused on the vulnerable, and a blend of health and spiritual care," she said. "I like to think that we try to prepare our nursing students to look at needs beyond the physical - empathy, compassion, going the extra mile, being generous with your time, not just with one patient, but with your colleagues as well."

Visitation, vigil service and Mass of Christian Burial for Sr. Judy will all take place at Gesu Catholic Church, 17180 Oak Dr. in Detroit. Visitation is planned for Friday, Jan. 3, from 2-6 p.m. with the vigil service at 4 p.m. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Interment is planned for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, at Our Lady of the Pines Cemetery, located on the grounds of the St. Bernardine Home, 1250 Tiffin Street, Fremont, Ohio.

The University will host a celebration of life for Sr. Judy from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, in the Student Union. More details will be made available soon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sr. Judith A. Mouch, R.S.M. Memorial Fund at University of Detroit Mercy, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, or Mercy Beyond Borders.

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