KARACHI: Former principal of St Joseph’s College and school Sister Mary Emily Gonsalves passed away peacefully here on Sunday evening. She was 97.

Sr Emily remained the principal of St Joseph’s College from 1972 to 1982 when it was a government institution. Later, when it was returned to Catholic Board of Education, she was again appointed its principal in 2005. In recognition of her services to girls’ education, she was also awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the government in 2009.

She stepped down from her position due to health reasons. Still she remained involved in important causes, especially those associated with the mission. During protests over terrorism against minorities, she would come outside with other nuns pushing her wheelchair. Everyone who knew her, had immense respect for her.

With the news of her passing tributes started pouring in from former students as they shared their fond memories of her on social media. One former students remembered her words that ‘Great things come in small parcels’ and how everyone should be respected for who they are and what they do. Another student said: “It is after a million years that a great personality like her is born to love and guide humanity.” Since she had guided generations of students, one mother said that she was her as well as her daughers’ college principal.

Her funeral will be held at the St Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday at 4pm.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2017