A prayer service celebrating the life of Sr Bernadette O'Reilly will be held at her local church in Ballymun this Friday.
Sr Bernadette died after she was struck by a car while out walking near her home in Bukuru, Nigeria.
The Dublin native left Ireland in 2003 to become principal of Our Lady Queen of Peace Nursery & Primary School in Bukuru, a city on the Jos Plateau.
Her school started with less than 60 children but quickly grew to over 900 students, that the adored principal all knew by name.
However, she was never forgotten by the former students of Holy Spirit School in Ballymun, and made regular visits back to Dublin to catch up with friends and family.
And a prayer service will be held at St Joseph's Church on Balcurris Road at 4pm this Friday for the woman who is "remembered with love, affection and gratitude".
St Pappin's Parish posted: " It is with great sadness that we heard of the tragic death of Sr. Bernadette following a road accident in Nigeria.
"A member of the Infant Jesus Sisters, Bernadette is remembered with love, affection and gratitude in Ballymun where she spent many years of loving ministry teaching in Holy Spirit school and working in the parish.
"As a woman of great heart and spirit, she brought a depth of love and kindness to the lives of many individuals and families.
"The story of her missionary work in Nigeria is a story of extraordinary dedication and commitment that has transformed lives and has left a lasting legacy.
"We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Sr. Bernadette’s mother and family, to the Infant Jesus Sisters and to all who grieve so deeply for her. A Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for Bernadette’s life will take place in St. Joseph’s Church this Friday 28th January at 4.00p.m."
Josephine Dempsey was one of the locals that was taken under the kind nun's wing, and she told Dublin Live about the impact Sr Bernadette had on her life and on the entire close-knit community.
Josephine said: "She connected with my family in 1990 and when my mam passed away in '92 she stepped in to help us out .
"We needed help, she became like a mother to us then and has remained like that even now in our lives. We have had her in our life longer than our own mother.
"Bernadette, as she's known to everyone, played a huge part in the lives of people in Ballymun.
"You would see Bern coming on her blue bike with her skirt and sandals - hail, rain, snow or sun .
"It didn't affect her she said how would I say hello to people from a car .
"If you needed help with school, she was there with a pencil and copy to help .
"She saw everyone as equal and had a funny laugh .
"She would play her guitar and tell the story of her finger top missing from when she was younger.
"She would stop the car on the motorway to pick daffodils. She taught you to cook in the flat or would give you a big hug."
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