KARACHI: ‘The mother of the forgotten ones’ Sister Ruth Lewis, who died on Tuesday after losing her battle against Covid-19, was buried in the Christian Cemetery here on Wednesday afternoon.

Earlier, her closed-casket funeral was held at Christ the King Church in Khudadad Colony. The prayers were led by Archbishop Joseph Cardinal Coutts. It was a very brief ceremony with limited attendance due to the church’s standard operating procedures, which also needed to be followed strictly. But it was all streamed live on the Dar ul Sukun page on Facebook.

Cookie Lewis, the girl who came to Dar ul Sukun 31 years ago when she was only a day old, and who was lovingly brought up by the sisters there despite her health issues, gave the touching eulogy.

“She was my special mother,” Cookie said. Then glancing at her white casket, she addressed Sr Ruth directly.

“You made me big, you sent me to school. You took me with you whenever you went. I can’t believe you are not here,” she said.

The 77-year-old sister had been in charge of Dar ul Sukun for 51 years

“Thank you very much for all you did for me. I love you so much I don’t know what I will do without you. I will miss you,” she finished making all those present at the funeral and all those watching it live cry.

The 77-year-old sister had been in charge of Dar ul Sukun for 51 years. Dar ul Sukun is home for the elderly, socially displaced girls and boys but above all it is home for physically challenged children with severe disabilities. Many of them, like Cookie, have been born with deformities and are left there by their own parents. Cookie’s mother had left her there because she wanted a normal child. Sr Ruth then even gave her own surname ‘Lewis’ to her. Today all the children, nuns and staff feel heartbroken to have lost someone they all looked up to as their own mother. She was an inspiration for the entire staff of Dar ul Sukun who tried walking in her footsteps. Still, they say, there will be no one quite like her and she has left behind very big shoes to fill.

Sr Ruth got infected earlier this month while taking care of some 21 children at the home who were also down with the coronavirus. After testing positive herself, she was admitted to the Aga Khan Hospital on July 9 where she remained on a ventilator when her condition worsened.

On her passing many people, including activists, showbiz personalities and politicians shared their feelings through social media.

At her funeral, special prayers were also held for all people, including the health workers, members of the clergy and social workers who are risking their own lives by working very closely with people infected with the coronavirus.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2020