Mourners at the funeral of Danielle McLaughlin have heard her described as "disarmingly kind and forgiving".
The 28-year-old was killed while holidaying in Goa in southern India. A man has been charged with her murder.
Fr Francis Bradley told mourners at Requiem Mass in Saint Mary’s Church, Cockhill, Buncrana, that Danielle was "a cherished grand-daughter, a thoughtful sister, a loyal friend, a free spirit, a remarkable classmate, a gentle neighbour" who had suffered a sudden and callous death.
"Tender" messages of sympathy and support have been sent to her mother, Andrea, and bear testiment to the nature of a young woman who loved to travel and had great respect for the natural world, Fr Bradley added.
"For her, life was a journey, many journeys in fact. Travel for her was genetic... She may, for a time appear to be beyond the reach of our touch, but she will remain forever within reach of our prayers.
"And just as Danielle’s mother and sisters and friends accompanied her every step on social media no matter where she went, and just in the same way as her friends, Nicole Farren and Sherridan Smith made their way to Goa to accompany her on her journey home, so too, we now accompany Danielle with our love and our prayers as we bid her ‘safe home’."
The parish priest said Danielle was a gifted student in dance and drama who had found a home in Buncrana where she forged strong and lasting friendships.
"She has been mourned by people of all ages who have been touched by her life and challenged by her death. Although intensely private, Danielle has made a huge impression on people’s lives.
"She was disarmingly kind and forgiving; her warm nature and open heart drew people into her ever-widening, extensive and international circle of friends.
"A brief glance at the vast array of tender messages for Danielle’s mother Andrea, her family and friends, shows the immense esteem in which she was held. She had a gentle but powerful way with her – for it seems that just one encounter with her was enough to change someone’s life."
Danielle is survived by her mother, Andrea, and her younger sisters Joleen, Traigheannach, Seanne and Sky Marie.