Updated on Saturday, April 25
The return home began yesterday for the body of deceased Major Michelle Mendes of Wicklow. Coalition troops gathered on the tarmac at Kandahar Airfield in the farewell ceremony for Major Mendes.
Her body is expected to arrive in Trenton for the repatriation ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26.
It will then travel to Toronto along the Highway of Heroes.
The 30-year-old soldier, who was based in Ottawa, was found dead Thursday in an accommodation room on the sprawling air base.
"Her tragic death has left many of us stunned," Padre Martine Belanger said during the ceremony as they prepared to load her flag-draped casket loaded aboard a military transport with soldiers on either side of the procession locked in rigid salute.
"We gather this evening, in sorrow, with numb hearts and stunned silence, trying to wrestle with her unexpected demise and untimely death."
The ceremony for Mendes, was the second in 10 days for a female Canadian soldier
She is the 118th Canadian soldiers to die in the Afghanistan mission since 2002.
A statement from the Department of National Defence in Ottawa said the incident was under investigation, but noted that enemy action had been ruled out as a cause of death.
No further details were immediately released.
Belanger described Mendes – "Mic" to her friends – as a person who strived to make life more enjoyable for those around her by baking cookies, making cards "or just being there when you needed a friendly ear.
"She always strove to do her best and was respected for her professional knowledge and work ethic," Belanger added. "The world will be an emptier place without her presence."
Defence Minister Peter MacKay released a statement Friday offering his condolences to the Mendes family. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time," MacKay said.
"The Canadian Forces continue to make an immense difference in the lives of Afghans while protecting and promoting both Canadian and international security. Despite our grief, we will continue our important mission to bring peace and stability to the people of Afghanistan."
Mendes was serving her second tour of duty in Afghanistan. She graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2001. McKay added. "Her hard work and dedication will not be forgotten."
Mendes worked in the headquarters of the Canadian task force at the airfield, which serves as the principal base for most of the 2,700 Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our lost comrade," Maj. Mario Couture said in a brief statement. "Our primary focus at this time is to provide the best possible support to the family of our soldier and to her colleagues."
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