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Ardmore
ARDMORE, Okla. – After 25 years of tireless service and prayers with and for her neighbors in Ardmore, Sister Carolyn Stoutz is retiring.
Mercy Hospital Ardmore caregivers gathered Tuesday with others from across the community for a reception honoring Sister Carolyn, who has been a Sister of Mercy for 63 years.
“There’s not anyone who has walked through the doors of our hospital without Sister Carolyn praying for them, whether they know it or not,” said Daryle Voss, president of Mercy Southern Oklahoma Communities. “Her life of service to her neighbors is an example for all of us. We’re going to miss her regular presence, but her legacy of compassion and determination will continue for generations more.”
About Sister Carolyn
Sister Carolyn and her impact at Mercy can be summed up in the motto engraved on her traditional Sisters of Mercy personal ring: “Love serves joyfully.” Known for her laughter, Sister Carolyn has most recently carried the unofficial title of Mercy’s chief morale officer.
“I’ve always wanted people to know that you can have fun as a Sister of Mercy,” said Sister Carolyn in 2022. “I hoped to change that image of a strict nun. We laugh and have a good time, and I always find a chance to joke with the people around me.”
Sister Carolyn has served as a history teacher, school counselor, Mercy’s vice president of mission and on local community boards during her long career. Before coming to Ardmore, she also served in Enid.
Sister Carolyn grew up in New Orleans and joined the Sisters of Mercy in 1962. She will retire to Catherine’s Residence, the Sisters of Mercy retirement community in St. Louis.
About Sisters of Mercy
Catherine McAuley founded the Sisters of Mercy in Ireland in 1827. The Sisters of Mercy arrived in the U.S. in 1843, opening their first American hospital in 1871 and uniting their health care facilities across the U.S. in later years.
The Sisters sponsor many ministries in the U.S. in health care, education, pastoral services, retreat and spiritual centers, social services and investment services. Their mission is to further social, political, economic and spiritual well-being.
Sisters like Sister Carolyn served in Mercy health care facilities around Oklahoma.
“My best advice is for people to realize that what we do really does make a difference,” said Sister Carolyn when reflecting on six decades of service. “Even a small thing like passing out candy can be just what someone needs that day.”
Learn more about the Sisters of Mercy at sistersofmercy.org.
