In loving memory of

Judy Ann McSorley
May 20, 1946 - June 25, 2014

McSORLEY, Judy Ann, born Judith Ann Olsen, May 20, 1946, Chicago, IL. Passed away June 25, 2014. Beloved wife of John E. Devoted mother of Jennifer L. (Aaron Pruss) and the late John R. Jack. Cherished friend and grandmother of Jacqueline H. Cloutier, Alexandria N. Cloutier, and Noah A. Pruss. Loving daughter of the late Dorothy and Earl V. Olsen, beloved sister of Ronald E. Olsen (Nancy) and Jane D. DeCaluwe (Richard). Also special and very loving sister to Trudy, Noreen (Lee) Trewyn, Mary (Richard) Daly, Margaret (Allen) Kopp, Elizabeth, Barbara (Robert) Karle, Donald, and Patricia (Mark) Gehringer. Also fondly survived by 20 loving nieces and nephews and 15 grand nieces and nephews. Graduate of Regina High School, Wilmette, IL., University of Dayton, and Wayne State University. Retired teacher Detroit Board of Education (1968-2007) Bates Academy Talented and Gifted Program. Member of St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, Grosse Pointe Farms; former leader of Childrens Liturgy of the Word. Former board member of Grosse Pointe Interfaith Canter for Racial Justice. Great friend to many in Detroit, Grosse Pointe, Ft. Myers, FL, and Lewiston, MI. Visitation Saturday 4:00-8:00pm and Sunday 1:00-8:00pm with prayers at 7:00pm Sunday at Chas. Verheyden Funeral Home, 16300 Mack, Grosse Pointe. Funeral Monday in state 9:30am until time of Mass 10:00am at St. Paul on the Lake, 157 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Karmanos Cancer Institue, GP Hockey Association Jack R. McSorley Scholarship Fund, The Society of Jesus Christ in the United States for the Formation and Education of Jesuits, or the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Light a candle and share a memory at www.verheyden.org

Tributes

Alexandra (Joshua) Hall wrote on Oct 21, 2017:

"I thought of Mrs. McSorley while watching the Penn State game. She was my 4th grade teacher and the reason I know the states and capitals by heart. She was kind and vibrant and I am so sorry to learn of her passing. Prayers to her family. "

Christy King wrote on Sep 13, 2014:

"Judy was such a kind woman. What a wonderful thing for mother and daughter to be the best of friends. My thoughts and prayers to Jen and the rest of the family. "

Chris McGovern wrote on Aug 21, 2014:

"It has been 50 years since we graduated from Regina Dominican HS in Wilmette Illinois. Very few of the "girls" seemed to stayed in contact, but the memories come rolling back easily. In reading the tributes, it is clear that Judy had a wonderful and fulfilling life. How fortunate her family and friends were to have had her. Sincere condolences on your loss. Chris McGovern Class of 1964/Regina Dominican HS"

Regina Dominican High School wrote on Aug 21, 2014:

"You are being held in the thoughts and prayers of the Regina dominican school community and the Adrian Dominican Sisters."

Barika Butler, M.D. wrote on Jun 30, 2014:

"What an amazing person the world was privileged with in Mrs. McSorley. She was my 4th grade teacher at Bates Academy. I will never forget working hard all week to earn Friday snack and movie treats! She challenged me in ways that I learned to appreciate more and more as I extended my educational pursuits. Mrs. McSorley was kind hearted but tough on her students. She saw positive potential in me even when others were not so convinced. I attribute my love for foreign travel to her as she introduced us to our "country projects." That 4th grade experience led me to later study abroad and travel to places that I always dreamed and I thank her for that. What a blessing to have been touched by her. Please accept my gift to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in remembrance of a live lived with grace and true impact on the lives of others. You will be missed. May God bless and keep you, her family and friends, during this time and always. Barika"

Desiree Moultrie wrote on Jun 30, 2014:

"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. McSorley. She was loved by all of her students at Bates Academy. My deepest condolences and prayers are with the family. She will be missed."

Angela Trapp wrote on Jun 30, 2014:

"I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. McSorley's passing. She was such a lovely teacher, always smiling in the hallways of Bates Academy. I didn't have her as a teacher as I was in 6th grade when the school started but I do remember her smile and her beautiful red hair. My sympathies and prayers with the family. Know that she was well loved by all of her students."

Dyan Wardwell (Coworker of Judy's at Bates Acad.. wrote on Jun 30, 2014:

"Dear John, Jennifer, Aaron and children, I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain and sadness you must be feeling without Judy, but she is no longer suffering. I know she is smiling down on each of you and will forever be looking out for each one of you. I met Judy on my first day of work at Bates Academy. In fact, she was the first person I met and we became fast friends. We taught together, ate together and had fun together each day at work. I will always cherish her friendship during my first seven years at Bates right up until her retirement in June of 2007. Judy was a one of a kind pure hearted lady. I have enjoyed keeping up with her travels these past seven years since she retired. I laughed when I saw her obituary picture with those ever present reading glasses on top of her head! May God bless each of you and keep you! "

Tiffany Steele wrote on Jun 29, 2014:

"Thank you for being one of the greatest teachers at Bates Academy. "

Brenda Butler wrote on Jun 29, 2014:

"Mrs. McSorley was my daughter's teacher at Bates Academy in the 80's and was an amazing educator and person. She showed so much love for her students and made each one know how special they were, the potential they possessed, and gave them the direction to succeed. I light this candle to represent the light that she brought into the lives of so many children. As a parent I always appreciated what an exceptional, unique and devoted teacher she was. She gave each of her students a personalized ornament for Christmas and I fondly remember Mrs. McSorley each year as I still place the ornament she gave my daughter on our tree. I know that the wonderful memories the family has will bring them comfort and peace."

Marcia Anderson (Former Student at Alonzo W. Ba.. wrote on Jun 29, 2014:

"I pray the Lord wraps your family in his loving arms."

Cynthia Geller wrote on Jun 29, 2014:

"John, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear wife. The Bates Academy memory is lovely. She must have been a special woman. The peace of the Lord be with you. "

Mr. and Mrs Jerome Chaney wrote on Jun 29, 2014:

"Mrs. McSorley was a much needed tough educator with a heart of gold and passion for her students and profession. To the McSorley family, what a treasure you were blessed with and what an honor it was to have Mrs. McSorley in my son and daughters' (Jerome and Kristopher Chaney) lives. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. "

Kris Chaney wrote on Jun 29, 2014:

"Ms. McSorley was a great teacher. I was blessed with her presence when I was a student at Bates Academy. Loving memories, Kris Chaney"

Candace Whitfield wrote on Jun 29, 2014:

"Mrs. McSorley was one of my favorite teachers. She was exemplary. I am so blessed to have had her grace my life with her presence. The responsibility and accountability that she taught her life skills that I carry with me to this very day. I am forever grateful. "

Angela Lugo-Thomas and Jamal Thomas wrote on Jun 29, 2014:

"Sending our love to the family and friends."

Makia (Smith) Alexander wrote on Jun 29, 2014:

"Mrs. McSorley was a phenomenal teacher. She pushed us when we slacked and rewarded us with the best treats every week if we completed the plethora if work she'd assigned. As a teacher now, I reflect on my year in Mrs. McSorley's class and am awe-stuck by the organization, planning, research and countless hours she dedicated to ensure her students were well prepared. She is a true illustration of an effective educator. May God's grace provide comfort for her family and loved ones."

Donald V. McSorley wrote on Jun 29, 2014:

"Dear John, My condolences on the loss of dear Judy as a sister-in-law she was beloved as a generous giving member our family. Judys upbeat nature always shared a welcome feeling when I visited your home. Her kindhearted stories and smiles were a gift to brighten my day. I am grateful for your strength as a couple you showed how to constructively endure lifes challenges to brighten ones journey, I will miss Judy. My love to you John"

Beverly Gibson wrote on Jun 28, 2014:

"Dear John,Jennifer and grandchildren: My prayers and thoughts are with you and all of your family members. Judy wasn't just an employee but a wonderful friend. I will cherish her memory and all the lovely pictures she sent to me in Texas in your Christmas cards. May God bless and keep you."

Quinn Hamilton wrote on Jun 28, 2014:

"Mrs. McSorley was one of my most influential teachers. She fostered a love for learning in myself and all of the students fortunate enough to have her at Bates Academy. Many of us can testify that the love for learning still exists and grows in each of us. Mrs. McSorley was a part of a core group of teachers at Bates Academy that believed in us and only expected and accepted our VERY best. I will never forget her. God Bless the McSorleys. Quinn Hamilton Bates Academy, class of 1997"

Dick & Mary Daly wrote on Jun 28, 2014:

"John, first our condolences on the passing of Judy, who was both your dear wife and best friend. We will miss her thoughtful and caring self as she never missed a birthday or anniversary with a beautiful card. She was always there for family and was a respected professional in her field. We will miss her smiling face. We love you. "

Amy Lillywhite Sturtevant wrote on Jun 27, 2014:

"My thoughts are with all of the McSorleys as you experience this journey. "

Sister Rosalie Bulanda wrote on Jun 27, 2014:

"John, I am so very sorry to hear of Judy's passing. Please know of my prayerful support these days."

Chanita Martin-Johnson & Family wrote on Jun 27, 2014:

"My condolences to you and your family. John, I will continue to keep you in my prayers. "

LaVelle and Vanita Canady wrote on Jun 27, 2014:

"Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace."

Pat Rochon Antonelli wrote on Jun 27, 2014:

"Trudy and Family, Judy lived an active and fulfilling life. May she rest in peace. From a Rosary High School Graduate (class of 1963)."

Catherine E. Jones Parker wrote on Jun 27, 2014:

"Sincerest condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you, praying for you."

Kevin Sullivan wrote on Jun 27, 2014:

"John, So sorry for your loss. I'm sorry to say that I did not know Judy well, but she is with her Lord now. I have seen you at church many times, John, and I believe your strong faith will help you through this trying time. You both have made this community a better place for all. Kevin"

Jeanne & Cheryl Guinan wrote on Jun 26, 2014:

"Your Little Wolf Lake neighbors and friends will miss you! Our condolences to the Judy's family."

Rose Morand wrote on Jun 26, 2014:

"My heartfelt condolences to John and the rest of the McSorley family. You are in my prayers."

Bryan and Kimberly Lane wrote on Jun 26, 2014:

"To all of you who knew and loved Judy, we are very sorry for your loss. "

Bryan and Sherry Hardy wrote on Jun 26, 2014:

"John, may each rising of the sun shine a brilliant light into the hearts of you and your your family as you reflect upon the beautiful memories of your beloved Judy. Our prayers are with you always."

Lynwood and Dena Shealy wrote on Jun 26, 2014:

"John, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our hearts and prayers."

Beth Andrews wrote on Jun 25, 2014:

"I am so sorry to hear about Judy's passing. She was such a lovely person, and I'm sure that your family made her last times as easy and filled with love as humanly possible. My sympathies!"