Calcutta, June 23 (PTI): Sister Nirmala Joshi, who succeeded Mother Teresa as the head of the Missionaries of Charity in 1997, died here on Tuesday morning.

She was 81.

A Missionaries of Charity official said Sister Nirmala was not keeping well for the past few days and her health was gradually deteriorating.

Her body would be brought to Mother House on Wednesday morning and the funeral will be held at 4pm.

"Any one who wants to pay respect can come to Mother House tomorrow", the official said.

On March 13, 1997, six months before Mother Teresa's death, Sister Nirmala was selected the Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity.

Sister Mary Prema was elected to succeed Sister Nirmala during a general chapter held in Calcutta in April 2009.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences over the demise of Sister Nirmala.

"Sister Nirmala's life was devoted to service, caring for the poor and underprivileged. Saddened by her demise. May her soul rest in peace," Modi tweeted.

"My deepest condolences to the Missionaries of Charity family on the passing away of Sister Nirmala," he added.

West Bengal Chief minister Mamata Banerjee condoled Sister Nirmala's death.

"Saddened at the passing of Sister Nirmala, who headed Missionaries of Charity after Mother Teresa. Kolkata and the world will miss her," Mamata said on Twitter.