Haruthaya Luangsurapeesakul

Haruthaya Luangsurapeesakul. Photo / Supplied

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The family of Haruthaya Luangsurapeesakul believe she is now an angel in heaven.

The devout Buddhist was studying English in the Canterbury Television building and hoped to work as a nurse in New Zealand.

Instead, her name was one of seven earthquake victims released by police in the first week of March, 2011.

The 32-year-old, who was also known as Jenny, had worked as an oncology nurse in Thailand and had been in New Zealand for about two years.

Haruthaya lived and worked at a hotel in Riccarton owned by Ken and Margaret Turner.

Mr Turner said Haruthaya prayed for about an hour every night and hoped to become a Buddhist nun later in her life.

"She was a bit apprehensive about it because it meant she had to cut off her hair, and she had lovely hair."

Mr Turner remembers religious discussions he had with Haruthaya in Hagley Park as they walked Charlotte, one of two family dogs.

"Her a devout Buddhist, me a devout heathen. They were really good, the discussions were two-way. She believed in the after-life and she didn't fear death."

Mr Turner said he and his wife had been in touch with Haruthaya's family in Thailand.

"Her family said that because she is such a good girl, she will be an angel in heaven," he said.

Haruthaya's friend Swathi Bandlamudi said she had been crying ever since the police released the names.

"I still had hope because she is a very nice person," Ms Bandlamudi said.

She said Haruthaya had one more exam to finish in her English studies and planned to return to Thailand to visit her family.

Haruthaya is survived by her mother, elder sister and two brothers who live in Thailand.