A book of condolence is to be opened in Derry for the local nun who died in last weekend’s earthquake in Ecuador.
Sister Clare Theresa Crockett (33), from the Long Tower area of the city, had been working at a school in Playa Prieta with the Home of the Mother Order.
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A Mass is to be celebrated in St Clumba’s Church in the Long Tower at 7.30pm tomorrow after which the book of condolence will be opened.
It is hoped Sister Clare’s remains will be brought home within the week.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is assisting the family.
Sister Clare’s body is expected to be brought home to Derry within the next week.
Colin Bell and his family set up the trust in memory of their 26-year-old son Kevin, who died in a suspected hit and run in New York in 2013.
It aims to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the bodies of loved ones who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland.
He revealed: “The family got in touch with the department of Foreign Affairs and then they got in touch with us about helping in the process.
“At this stage the autopsy has been completed, her body has been released to the undertaker, documentation has been filled in and we are now waiting to organise the appropriate flight.
“However, because of the earthquake in Ecuador the country is in turmoil at the moment.
“It could take a few days but all being well with the airport we hope to have her body home within the week.”
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