Judith “Judy” Anne McBride, 83, longtime assistant superintendent, principal and teacher in the Diocese of Camden, died Aug. 24.
In a career in education that spanned nearly 50 years, McBride served not only in the Diocese of Camden, but in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia and Newark, and the Diocese of Trenton.
McBride served as assistant superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Camden from 1976 to 1985, and principal at Saint Mary School, Williamstown, from 1995 until 2011.
In addition, she was a teacher at Saint Gregory School in Magnolia from 1969 to 1972.
“I’m going to miss her wisdom. She was a brilliant lady,” said Janice Bruni, a retired educator of the Diocese of Camden, who was a longtime friend and colleague of McBride’s.
The two enjoyed many laughs, she said.
When Bruni began her teaching career at Saint Anthony of Padua School in Camden in the 1970s, McBride was diocesan assistant superintendent. Two decades later, the two were elementary principals together, McBride at Saint Mary School and Bruni at Saint Catherine of Siena School (later Saint Michael the Archangel Regional) in Clayton.
“She had so much experience, and I enjoyed learning from her,” Bruni continued, adding that McBride “embraced anything that benefitted the children, be it programs or grants.”
“In turn, the community embraced her.”
Erin Whittaker, longtime theater director at Saint Mary School, not only enjoyed working with McBride, but also witnessed the deep friendship the principal had with her mother, Claire Whittaker, who served as vice principal under McBride for seven years.
As a principal, McBride “always went to bat for her staff and made us feel mattered,” she said.
As a family friend, “she was the best,” Whittaker continued, noting that the two remained close after they no longer worked with each other, and often went to lunch together.
When Claire Whittaker was ill in 2022, McBride would spend countless hours visiting, including the day Whittaker passed that year, her daughter remembered.
“She was always so good to my family,” Erin Whittaker continued. “She went above and beyond as a friend to my mother. I hope they are having a lovely reunion.”
McBride was predeceased by her parents, Dorothy and Charles McBride, and a sister, Dolly Smith (Jim). She is survived by her siblings: Charles McBride (Sandi), Peggy Goulet (late Robert), Anne McMullan (Kevin), and Maureen Gallagher (Joe). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A visitation will be held 10-10:45 a.m. on Sept. 2 at Saint Margaret Church, Infant Jesus Parish, 334 Beech Ave., Woodbury Heights. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at a later date.
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