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Derby handbag snatch death: Mourners gather for 100-year-old's funeral Derby robbery death: Funeral told of 100-year-old's strength
(about 2 hours later)
Friends and well-wishers have gathered for the funeral of a 100-year-old woman whose neck was broken when her handbag was snatched.Friends and well-wishers have gathered for the funeral of a 100-year-old woman whose neck was broken when her handbag was snatched.
Sofija Kaczan died in hospital over a week after being attacked in the Normanton area of Derby on 28 May.Sofija Kaczan died in hospital over a week after being attacked in the Normanton area of Derby on 28 May.
The service is being held at Maksymilian Kolbe Church, on Gordon Road - the church Ms Kaczan was walking to at the time of the bag snatch. The service was held at Maksymilian Kolbe Church, on Gordon Road - the church Ms Kaczan was walking to at the time of the bag snatch.
Arthur Waszkiewicz, from west London, has denied manslaughter and robbery.Arthur Waszkiewicz, from west London, has denied manslaughter and robbery.
Ms Kaczan, who was born in Poland, came to the UK after escaping a Nazi prison camp during World War Two.Ms Kaczan, who was born in Poland, came to the UK after escaping a Nazi prison camp during World War Two.
Although she has no remaining family, her death has left a big impression on her friends and the local community. Although she has no remaining family, friends said her death had left a big impression on those who knew her and the local community.
The service will be spoken mostly in Polish with an English-translated leaflet. The service was spoken mostly in Polish with an English-translated leaflet.
Her friend Anna Zimand, who will read an eulogy in English about Ms Kaczan's life, said the community was "still finding it difficult to come to terms" with her death. In an English language eulogy, her friend Anna Zimand, said: "The horrors she saw and the conditions she had to endure are indescribable.
"It's very difficult to imagine she is no longer here," she told the BBC. "That she was able to survive shows what strength of character she had."
"We're tired, upset. If it wasn't for the violent nature of her death, she could have quite happily gone on. Ms Zimand said Ms Kaczan was "remarkably active" and was "such a staunch supporter" of her local Polish church.
"This will be a hard day, but it'll help us all." She said she received congratulations from the Pope for her 100th birthday, which she celebrated with friends.
She added: "I want people to remember her courage and commitment. She will be here in spirit and in our memories." "She was still looking forward to her life and whatever milestones were yet to come," she said.
"Sofija's spirit is present here and I know that she would be so touched by the kindness... the prayers.
"She would have wanted to say thank you to the people who cared for her... and all of you who have come to pay your respects."
Mr Waszkiewicz, 39, of Hilary Road, Shepherds Bush, will stand trial on 3 December at Derby Crown Court.Mr Waszkiewicz, 39, of Hilary Road, Shepherds Bush, will stand trial on 3 December at Derby Crown Court.
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.