Judith Anne Schaum, SSND
July 31, 1939 – September 4, 2024
Judith Schaum, 85, died peacefully September 4, 2024, at Villa Assumpta in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a member of the Cor Unum Community in Timonium, Maryland.
On July 31, 1939, the first child, Judith Anne, was born to Daniel and Anna (Schutte) Schaum in Baltimore. The family grew over the following years with the addition of two brothers, Joseph and Alan and a sister, Karen.
Judy was baptized at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in East Baltimore. Following that, life revolved around St. Joseph Monastery Parish and School. It was there Judy met the School Sisters of Notre Dame. During her elementary school years, she received her first Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.
Judy’s life continued to be interwoven with the SSND. She attended and graduated with honors from the Institute of Notre Dame (IND) in 1957. During her senior year, Judy began serious preparation to enter the SSND. She received the candidate’s veil on September 7 of that year in the IND chapel. After completing the candidature/postulancy and novitiate at the Baltimore Motherhouse, Judy professed first vows on July 25, 1959.
Judy’s life in mission included formal education at schools in the Baltimore area. At St. Jerome Elementary School, she had a seventh-grade homeroom and taught mathematics. She was then assigned to Archbishop Keough High School (later Seton-Keough High School) where, in addition to teaching math, she served as dean of students and vice principal over the course of eleven years. Judy’s love of and proven skills as an educator led her back to her alma mater, the Institute of Notre Dame (IND). She ministered there for twelve years as a teacher, vice-principal, and finally as principal.
Judy completed a BA degree in Elementary Education from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland (now Notre Dame of Maryland University) and a Master of Teaching Mathematics (MATM) from Villanova university.
After a brief sabbatical, Judy brought her commitment to excellence in Catholic education and her skills in developing leadership to the Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools Office. Here she served as Assistant to the Superintendent for Secondary Education and then Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools from 1990-2000.
From entrance as a postulant, Judy was an engaged SSND, living in community and serving the SSND mission faithfully as a member of the Baltimore Province.
In 2000, during an Assembly of Elections, Judy was nominated for election to the Provincial Council. Despite initial reluctance, her prayerful reflection and a powerful dream to “Jump, Judy, jump,” moved her to accept nomination. Judy was elected and served on the 2000-2005 Provincial Council. The complex, intense, deeply spiritual, and vital work to establish the Atlantic-Midwest (AM) province was a major focus of those five years. Judy contributed significantly to the work of that council and the life of the AM Province today.
After a period of transition, Judy was appointed the first Director of Mission Effectiveness for the AM province. Her charge was to develop experiences and materials for leaders and boards of AM SSND sponsored and co-sponsored ministries to deepen their knowledge, commitment to and ability to infuse the SSND mission and charism in sustainable SSND ministries. Over eight years, Judy mentored lay leaders for what became the Department of Ministry Services and is today the Department of Mission Formation.
“Retiring” from formal ministry in 2017, Judy was a fully engaged member of the Corporate Board, the Board of Trustees, and two Board Committees for NDMU. She was a delegate to the Provincial Assembly, a “companion” with sisters at Villa Assumpta and provided other behind the scenes service in addition to being a vital member of the Cor Unum community.
Judy was involved with her multi-generational and far-flung family, visiting, connecting through technology, celebrating with, and supporting them through times of loss. Judy invested time, presence, and prayer to nurture her many long-lasting, deep relationships with friends, former students, colleagues, and sisters.
The funeral Mass for Sister Judith was held September 12, in the Chapel at Villa Assumpta with Father Robert Leavitt, P.S.S. presiding. Visitation and sharing of memories preceded the Liturgy. Burial of her cremains took place at Villa Maria Cemetery, Glen Arm, Maryland following the liturgy.
Judy is remembered with deep affection and gratitude to God by her siblings, Joe, Alan (Diane) and Karen, her many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, cousins, dear friends, colleagues in ministry and the SSND community. We continue to thank God for the gift of Judy, her service and loving presence.
By Atlantic-Midwest Communications Staff September 14, 2024
