Sister Mary Magdalen Wurth

Sister Mary Magdalen of the Good Shepherd, C.P., 80, (Nancy Wurth) died Friday, February 27, 2026, with her community of Sisters gathered around her at the monastery in Whitesville KY.

Born June 28, 1945, in Paducah, daughter of the late James Edward Wurth and Olean Barbara Seitz Wurth, Sister Mary Magdalen was baptized at St John Catholic Church in Paducah. After attending St. Thomas More and St Mary Academy, she spent one year at Catherine Spaulding College in Louisville, KY, before entering the Passionist Nuns Monastery, then located in Owensboro, on August 15, 1964.

She professed her vows in 1966 and perpetual vows in 1969. Sister was known for her detailed memory and served many years as community archivist and secretary. She was also an unofficial community historian, retelling many stories and humorous anecdotes of the foundresses and first generation of Sisters, whom she knew and loved deeply. She had a profound love for the Church and the Holy Father, eagerly keeping up with news from the diocese, the US Bishops, and the Vatican so that she could better support her shepherds with prayer. She also had a soft spot for snowdrops, spirea bushes, and cats!

Sister was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved three siblings: Patsy “Pat” Wurth, Mike Wurth (Phyllis), Susan Gramse (William) and nieces and nephews.

The funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at the Passionist Monastery, 8564 Crisp Rd, Whitesville. The Most Rev. William Medley will be celebrant and Fr John Vaughan homilist. Burial will be at the Passionist Monastery Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the monastery from 3 – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday with prayers at 5:00 p.m.; and from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. before the Mass Wednesday.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of Mass stipends or Memorial donations to the Passionist Nuns.

Care has been entrusted to Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Messages and condolences for the family may be shared at www.glenncares.com.