BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Effective Jan. 1, 2021, Sister Judy Morasci, RSM has retired from Mercy Hospitals.

She served the community for 26 years.

She served also served the Sisters of Mercy for 62 years.

On Jan. 6, Mercy Hospital will host a private event in honor of Sister Judy Morasci with a drive-thru dinner and celebration for Hospital and Foundation board members and community stakeholders with whom she has served.

"Her impact is felt by all those she has touched, and to say she is beloved by all is a gross understatement. She had an extraordinary influence on Mercy Hospital and our community," says Bruce Peters, CEO and president of Mercy Hospital.

To honor her legacy, Mercy Hospital Leadership and the Friends of Mercy Foundation Board of Directors has established the Sister Judy Morasci Endowment administered by the Friends of Mercy Foundation. The annual proceeds of the endowment will benefit local organizations that serve women and children’s charities.

The drive-thru celebration begins at 5 p.m. on Jan. 6 at Mercy Hospital Southwest, 400 Old River Road in front of the Mercy Orthopedic Spine and Hand Center and Healing Garden.