Tributes pour in for young Derry nun killed in Ecuadorian earthquake
Tributes are pouring in for the Derry nun killed in the weekend 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 when the 7.8 magnitude tremor struck on Saturday.
Extending her “heartfelt sympathy” to Sister Clare’s family and friends, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Elisha McCallion, said she was “really saddened” by the news.
Adding her thoughts and prayers were with Sister Clare Theresa’s family, Cllr McCallion said:. “It is such sad news for her family and for the whole community who knew Sister Clare.
“I understand she had been working for some time at a school in Playa Prieta where she was a much loved and valued member of the community.
“The sympathies of the people of the Derry City and Strabane District Council go out to her family and friends, and indeed the wider Church community.” SDLP leader, Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood, said Derry was “in mourning” following Sr Clare Theresa’s tragic death.
He added: “Like many others across our city, I want to pay my deepest respects to the family of Sister Clare Theresa Crockett at this very difficult time.
“A pillar of faith for her community, she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
“The tragedy following the earthquake in Ecuador continues to devastate families across the world.
“I know here in Derry that the local community will give Sister Clare’s family all the support and comfort they need at this deeply distressing time.
“My thoughts and prayers, as well as those of my party colleagues, are with them.”
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan also expressed deep sadness at the death of Sister Clare Theresa.
He said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sister Clare Theresa Crockett.
“The sympathies of everyone in Derry will be with Sister Clare’s family today.
“Derry’s heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the victims of the Ecuador earthquake – as people of the city always respond with solidarity and charity to natural disasters and other crises in the world.
“That humanitarian response will be more poignant as we know that a young Derry woman who dedicated her life to the service of others has lost her life in this tragedy.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “While no words can console Sister Clare’s family on the loss of such a special person, I hope that everyone’s sympathy and support will bring them some comfort at this very sad time.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs in the Republic is liaising with the Crockett family.