Sister Stella Neill, founder and former executive director of Anawim Housing, was killed in a car accident on Tuesday evening.

In 1987, Neill founded Anawim, which provides affordable housing for low-income families by renovating old homes and building new ones in vacant lots. She retired from her position in March.

“During this time of grief, we are thankful and fortunate for everything Sister Stella did for us,” said Loree Miles, Anawim board chair, in a press release. “We will keep her family and the sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community in our thoughts and prayers.”

The funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Church in Omaha. A Des Moines memorial service is pending.