Dar-ul-Sukun caretaker Sister Ruth Lewis passes away

KARACHI: Reverend Sister Ruth Lewis, who took care of special children at the Dar-ul-Sukun, passed away from the novel coronavirus. She was aged 77.

Sister Ruth had been admitted to a private hospital since 9th July after she was tested positive for the coronavirus a day earlier and was placed on a ventilator

“It is with deep sadness that we Dar ul sukun officially share the news of the passing away of our beloved Rev. Sister Ruth of Dar ul Sukun. May Almighty God bless her soul with everlasting peace,” said a statement by the charity-run organisation.

Sister Ruth worked for and loved special children at Dar-ul-Sukun from the day it was founded 51 years ago. “All our Children Nuns and Staff are heartbroken, as we have lost a huge part of us.”

Dar-ul-Sukoon asked prayers for the “children to whom she has been a mother, for the nuns for whom she was a sister and a true inspiration and for all the staff who love her and will each day try to walk in her footsteps.”

“We remember her family at this time of their loss. We pray for them and ask you to keep them in your prayers. To all you friends of Dar ul Sukun we send blessings and know that you will be with us through this difficult time and the years ahead.”

Adviser to the Sindh government on Information Murtaza Wahab said Sister Ruth Lewis passed away due to COVID-19. He said her selfless contributions to our society will always be remembered and cherished.

“Sister Ruth Lewis who had been running Dar ul Sukoon for many years has unfortunately passed away due to #COVID19. Her selfless contributions to our society will always be remembered & cherished #RIPSisterRuth,” he said on Twitter.

Ruth Lewis joined the organisation ever since it was founded in 1969 by Sister Gertrude. A Roman Catholic nun, Lewis also received the Pride of Karachi Award for her contributions to the vulnerable segments of society.

The administration of Darul Sukoon also thanked the Sindh government “for always having our back in difficult times” and bearing the cost of Sister Ruth’s medical treatment

“They have also provided grant of Rs25 million instantly along with PPEs and medicines,” the statement said, adding the government was also providing support in quarantine wards set up at Darul Sukoon for infected children.

They appreciated the contribution and support of Sindh Government, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Ali Siddiqui and leadership of PPPP for always having our back in difficult times.