Chaminade University of Honolulu held a short prayer service this morning in honor of late President Mary Civille "Sue" Wesselkamper at the Mystical Rose Chapel on the school's campus.

Wesselkamper, who headed Hawaii's only Catholic university for 13 years, was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. She died from its complications early Saturday morning.

The informal service was attended by some 200 people from the university faculty, administrators, alumni and members of the community. Father Ken Templin led the church in several prayers and reflections to help in the grieving process.

"All of us here at Chaminade have come to love her as a dear sister and a beloved friend," Templin said. "This day is joy-filled because we know she is at peace. But it's sad, because we had to let her go," he said.

A handful of people stayed after the ceremony to write messages of condolences on purple sheets of paper — Wesselkamper's favorite color — that would be given to the family. Attendees wore purple ribbons and buttons with a picture of Wesselkamper on them.

Services for Wesselkamper, known as President Sue by the Chaminade ohana, will be held Friday and Saturday. Viewing will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Mystical Rose Chapel. Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick's Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday.