A LARGE gathering of family, friends and associates came together at St Michael and St John's Catholic Church in Horsham yesterday to farewell Sister Veronica Carr after her sudden death on May 5.
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Father Peter Sherman led the service, while speakers included Sister Veronica's brother Jim Carr, godson Vin Carr and Bishop of Ballarat Peter Connors.
Mr Carr said his late sister was `deserving of her paradise'.
"She was commonly known in our family as `Non' or `Nonnie'," he said.
"She was always very shy underneath but she enjoyed this life and she loved the people of Horsham."
Sister Veronica's godson also remembered `Nonnie' for her love and affection.
"All of us who met her would have known her for her three characteristics," he said.
"They were her rosy cheeks, her broad smile and her infectious laugh, all of which gave us some clue as to the person that she was underneath; they gave us a little insight into the windows of her soul."
Mr Carr hoped Sister Veronica would now be able to rest after serving others so selflessly throughout her life.
"The person who lies here before us today worked so selflessly for others and cared for other people by giving herself freely to many communities, families and individuals," he said.
"Her interest in people continued right through to the present.
"She never asked question like, `what do you want to be? Have you got a job yet? Did you behave last night?' Instead she was interested in things that mattered to you, like your friends, your interest, or your latest boyfriend or girlfriend and if it was serious."
Mr Carr said Sister Veronica's life was well-lived.
"Making you feel good about yourself was the essence of what she was all about."
The Bishop of Ballarat Peter Connors described Sister Veronica as inspirational.
"Here was a lady who was overcoming shyness and determined to be out there and despite her sensitivity about how people might respond to her," he said.
"Every day I admired her courage and strength, as well as her commitment to justice through her work for the refugees."
Father Connors said Sister Veronica was of strong faith.
"We only perhaps grasp the essence of others after they have gone away from us, but if she touched your hearts, know that you touched her heart also."
