A FORMER nun who died in a road crash on the Glenshane Pass last week was dedicated to her work with children and families, mourners have been told.
Loreto Douglas (64) was injured in a collision involving three vehicles close to the Ponderosa Bar on Thursday morning.
The Derry woman had been on her way to a funeral in Newtownards when the tragedy happened.
Ms Douglas’s Requiem Mass took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Thornhill on Monday where she once served as a Sisters of Mercy nun.
A native of Derry’s Waterside, Ms Douglas was an active member of the city's Culmore parish community, with Culmore parish priest Fr Colum Clerkin saying she was a regular reader at weekend Masses.
He told mourners that while she trained as a nurse, she was best known for her work with young people through the Lifestart charity and was committed to ensuring every child got a good start in life.
Fr Clerkin said Ms Douglas was regarded as a dedicated childcare worker by colleagues in Lifestart and in a separate Surestart group which she helped establish.
“She was an example and inspiration to her colleagues and with her warmth and compassion, her kindness and commitment.”
Following Requiem Mass, Ms Douglas was buried at Ardmore cemetery in Derry’s Waterside.
