Goheung-gun Announces Condolence Statement on the Passing of Margaret Pisarek, the Angel of Sorokdo

Published 01 Oct.2023 22:41(KST)

Nurse, Neighbor Mom, and Angel Margaret Passes Away

Gohung-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Gong Young-min) announced a condolence statement on September 30 regarding the passing of Margaret Pisarek, known as the angel of Sorokdo and the "little grandmother."

Margaret Pisarek passed away from a heart attack around 3 p.m. on September 29, 2023, Austrian time.

The late Sorokdo Angel Margaret Pisarek [Photo provided by Goheung County]

In accordance with the deceased's wishes, her body will be donated to the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria, and the funeral arrangements will be decided later after discussions with her family.

Born in Poland, Margaret Pisarek graduated from nursing college in Austria alongside Marianne Stoeger. Upon hearing the need for nurses in Sorokdo, she volunteered and devoted over 40 years from 1966 to 2005 caring for Hansen’s disease patients with love and dedication. To them, she was not just a nurse but a warm neighbor, mother, and angel.

Upon hearing the news of her passing, Gohung-gun and the Marianne and Margaret Association jointly issued a condolence statement and plan to post a condolence banner at the Sorokdo Sharing Training Center. Once the funeral schedule and procedures are finalized, they intend to support funeral expenses including epitaphs, floral tributes, and the funeral hall.

Additionally, in celebration of the Chuseok holiday, support for the funeral and condolences will be provided through the executives of the Marianne and Margaret Association currently staying in Austria to meet the two ladies.

Governor Gong Young-min stated in the condolence message, “We will forever remember Margaret’s noble spirit of sharing and service, who humbly dedicated her life to Hansen’s disease patients at the lowest place. We gather the hearts of all residents to wish her eternal rest.”