JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A nun who used to teach at Assumption Catholic School in Jacksonville and died in the April 16 earthquake in Ecuador was remembered at a memorial Mass Monday evening.
Sister Clare Crockett taught at Assumption for four years before moving to Spain, and then Ecuador to teach.
According to the latest reports, 654 people died in the magnitude 7.8 quake.
Crockett, 33, was killed along with five other pre-novices for the Home of the Mother as she attempted to lead them out of a crumbling structure, said Father Fred Parke.
Parishioners at Assumption Catholic Church and families involved with Assumption School spent Monday evening celebrating the good this woman did in her short life.
“Loved to serve the children, teach them religion, and she was just here – she was on earth to serve, serve others, ” said Richard Holtz.
Crockett made a difference to the young ladies Assumption School and many more.
“I remember her, she always had a smile on her face. She always seemed so happy, and poured a lot of gratitude into our lives. She was a very inspiring person,” said Cassidy Shaw.
“I just remember her because she was always smiling, and really funny. She actually encouraged me. 5945 When I first met her, she was the inspiration for my becoming a sister when I am older,” said Hannah Pelerak.
The service for Crockett included music, which was certainly part of the tradition of Memorial Mass.
There was also a nod to her personal story of leaving a career in movies and the world of entertainment, in order to follow Christ all the way to Ecuador and all the way to eternity.
“God called her and she answered the call. And gave up probably fame and money to take a vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience,” Holtz said.
Crockett was originally from Ireland and worked as an actress before becoming a nun at the age of 18. She traveled the world teaching children.
“She will be remembered as a true servant of God who exuded joy and shared her many talents with the children of Assumption School,” Parke wrote in a note announcing the memorial Mass. “Both current students at Assumption and many who have graduated remember her musical talents, her infectious Irish wit and her moving vocation story of someone who left a budding career in movies and the world of entertainment to her conversion and decision to follow Christ in an extraordinary way.”
Channel 4's Tom Wills also interviewed Crockett in 2007 for a story called "What is a Christian?"
WATCH: "What is a Christian?" with Sister Clare
The memorial mass was at Assumption Catholic Church on Atlantic Boulevard.