Sr. Judith Kenhart, DHS, 77, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died on Thursday, November 20 at the Holy Spirit Provincial House, Putnam, CT, where she had been in residence since 2005.
Born on August 21, 1937, the daughter of the late Stephen and Joan (Leslie) Kenhart, Sr. Judith entered religious life in 1955 and made her religious profession on April 24, 1957 at the Provincial House in Putnam, CT. She was then known as Sr. Stephen of the Passion.
A graduate of the Diocesan Sisters’ College, South Woodstock, CT, with a B.A., she later earned an M.A. from Boston College, Boston, MA and a second M.A. from Weston School of Theology, Cambridge, MA.
Sr. Judith taught at Putnam Catholic Academy, Putnam, CT, her Alma Mater and Cathedral High School, Bridgeport, CT. After a year as CCD Co-ordinator at St. Cecilia’s parish in Leominster, MA she was appointed special assistant to President Buchanan at Annhurst College. In 1980, she served as director of Family Refuge Center Shelter in Sweet Springs, WV. In 1985 she became program developer at Catholic Charities in Cambridge, MA. In 1993 she served as volunteer Coordinator at Women’s Educational & Industrial Union in Boston, MA and in 1995 until 2005 she served as volunteer chaplain at Mass General Hospital in Boston. She retired to the Provincial House in Putnam in 2005.
Survivors include an uncle, John Kenhart of Santa Rosa, CA, an aunt, Catherine Schumann of FL, several cousins and a friend, Linda Lamoureux of Killingly, CT. Calling hours at the Provincial House chapel will be on Friday, November 21 from 6-8 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:15. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 11:00 AM at the Provincial House chapel followed by burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Putnam, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Daughters of the Holy Spirit Retirement Fund, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT is in charge of arrangements. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Patricia Hojnowski-Diaz
Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Sr. Judith. I remember her fondly from my years as a member of the class of 1973 at Cathedral High School. Sister Judith was always a keen observer and had a sense of humor. I remember well her “World Culture” course and her involvment with our class activities. I did not realize until recently she had been somewhat local to me prior to her retirement as I reside in Massachusetts.
I have a vivid memory of her entering a clinical unit at Children’s Hospital in Boston many years ago where I worked. To say the least it was a surprise and very sureal to see her appear through the double doors, coming to visit a patient, looking no different from when I was a high school student! She of course remembered me and we shared warm greetings. My thoughts and prayers are with her and the many people she has touched in her life.
Patty Hojnowski-Diaz
Sharon Brescia
I was in Sister Judith’ s history class at Cathedral High School between 1968 and 1972. I remember her as being a caring teacher who tried to spark an interest and love of history in her students. I was particularly hard-headed and was not able to appreciate her efforts. My locker was directly across from Sr. Judith’ s classroom as I made it clear to my friends how much I disliked history, not knowing that she was right behind me. That was all it took for her to take me under her wing and help me to not only work a little harder but to appreciate her enthusiasm for the subject matter. She became a true inspiration to me. I am certain that God will bless her richly for her lifetime of service to Him.
Sharon Brescia
Class of 1972
Karen Zmachinski Gulli
RIP Sister Judith…You were an awesome mentor and lover of life. May you fly high with the angels and continue to watch over us!
Maritza Strauss
Sr. Judy was great influence in my life during my high school years at Cathedral Girls High School class of 69. I know she will be missed by many. May she rest in peace.
Prayers and my deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Annette Loso Tait
I am so sorry for the loss of Sr. Judith Kenhart. I graduated from Cathedral High School in Bridgeport, Ct. in 1977. She was a great teacher and held our attention and interest in her lectures and lessons. She is very fondly remembered. God bless all.
Annette Loso Tait