UPDATED: Tributes paid to Kildare nurse who drowned on holiday

A Kildare woman tragically drowned on holiday off the Sardinian coast on Tuesday evening (10 September).

Evangeline Musch (nee Sapon), a nurse in St Vincent’s Hospital in Athy, was on the Italian island on Tuesday, walking along the rugged coast of Portu Maga, when it is reported that wave swept her into the sea.

News of the grandmother’s passing has devastated her family, friends, the Fililipion community and colleagues in Athy where she worked in St Vincent’s Hospital.

“All the staff and patients at St Vincent’s are devastated; she was a very popular member of staff, and it is really, really sad,” said Senator Mark Wall.

“I believe she was out (in Sardinia) celebrating her birthday,” he said.

“Evangeline has been a registered nurse in St Vincent’s for many years, and the staff had all been wishing her the best for her birthday, and then the devastating news comes back,” he said.

The staff of Our Lady’s Ward in St Vincent’s hospital also paid tribute on rip.ie. “Our Deepest Sympathy to Evangeline’s Family and Friends. She was a true lady and was always smiling.She will be sadly missed by all the staff and fellow colleagues. May her gentle soul rest in peace.” A woman whose late father who was cared for by Ms Sapon Musch in the hospital added: “Sincere sympathy to Evangeline's partner, family, friends and work colleagues at St.Vincents Hospital Athy. We have been privelaged to have received the devoted care and love of this beloved lady when she,along with her nursing colleagues, attended to my late father, prior to his passing.

For that we are eternally grateful. May Evangeline now rest in the care of the Lord.” Officials at the Sardinia Fire Service said a helicopter was deployed to search for Ms Sapon Musch and subsequently located and recovered her body from the sea.

Evangeline is survived by her partner Ben, her children Vhan Lester, Rio O’Giel, Harvey Kent, Quennie Ranel and extended family. Funeral arrangements have yet to be published.