People in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Royal are remembering a local woman who died in the tsunami disaster as enthusiastic, loving and smart.

Rebecca Clark, 32, was working on a sea turtle conservation project in Thailand when the tsunami struck. She was a monitor for endangered species, and had studied the health of the world's oceans through sperm whales.

People in the Annapolis Royal area were shocked to hear that Clark had been killed.

"It hit home, you don't realize," said Angela Buckler, who had worked with Clark at a local inn.

"You heard of a tsunami but didn't realize somebody that we watched grow, you know, from a small town. Only 600 people live in Annapolis Royal. You get to know everybody. It was a shock, it was real hard."

Though her life was short, many say Clark packed a lot of living in her 32 years.

"She was full of life," Buckler said, adding Clark had "the biggest heart. She just wanted to live life. She always did good things. She loved people. People loved her from the minute they met her."

Clark and her twin sister Alia grew up in Litchfield, a tiny hamlet on the Fundy shore, about 20 minutes from Annapolis Royal.

It was there that she fell in love with the ocean and all of its creatures. Clark especially loved whales.

"She was only 16 that summer and she knew from then that's what she wanted to do. She studied hard in school," Buckler said.

After finishing high school, Clark went to Maine to study marine resources and maritime law. After that, she moved on to a career in marine research.

"She didn't discriminate against anybody. Everybody was equal. I think the animals were just as equal as the people. She just loved life and always wanted to do something better," Buckler said.

Clark's body has been cremated in a Buddhist ceremony in Thailand. Friends and family of Clark will gather for a memorial service in Annapolis Royal on Wednesday.

Clark's parents are suggesting that donations may be made in Rebecca's name to the Red Cross Relief Fund.

With files from ATV's Rick Grant