Last rites: Educationist Sister Mary Emily Gonsalves laid to rest

Her colleagues paid their respects during funeral

KARACHI: The third principal of St Joseph’s College (SJC) for Women Sister Mary Emily Gonsalves was laid to rest in Gora Qabrastan after a funeral ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday.

The educationists had passed away on Sunday evening at the age of 97.

The congregation paid their respect and teachers of SJC laid a wreath near her casket.

Archbishop of Karachi, Joseph Coutts, recited several verses from Holy Bible and The Book of Wisdom. “When any one of us is called from this Earth, we should ask our Lord for mercy and forgiveness.” He further remarked, “May God forgive our sins and bless us with an everlasting life.”

Speaking about Sister Gonsalves, he said she was blessed by God for the long life that she lived. However, what matters the most is what Sister Gonsalves did to promote education, he added.

Teachers of SJC also paid their respect to their mentor. Faiza Kazi remembered her for her laughter, while Mrs Minhas for her utter brilliance. She was the most caring and loving person, said Rose Corie. Barrister Shahida Jamil remembered her as a woman of substance.

The ceremony was also attended by journalists Zubeida Mustafa and Rehana Hakim along with the colleagues and students of the deceased.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2017.