Kolkata, June 23 (IANS): The Missionaries of Charity on Tuesday saluted Sister Nirmala's life of service and dedication, recalling her role in taking the religious order forward

"We are deeply saddened by the passing away of Sister Nirmala, head of the Missionaries of Charity and salute her life of service and dedication. She joined Mother Teresa in 1958 and from that time, she had been working closely with Mother Teresa," said Sister Prema, who had succeeded her as the order's superior general.

Sister Nirmala, who succeeded the order's founder Mother Teresa as superior general, died early on Tuesday. She was 81.

Sister Prema said after Mother Teresa, Sister Nirmala took the order forward and worked tirelessly serving the poor and the needy.

"We are very grateful for the person she is, who she is for us," she said.

Sister Prema had taken over as superior general in 2009, after Nirmala - despite being elected for a third term - opting out due to ill health and to return to the contemplative life she led before heading the order.