EDMONTON -- An Edmonton woman who lost her husband and daughter in a horrific crash in North Dakota last week is set to return home today.

After sustaining internal injuries and undergoing multiple surgeries, Lizyanet Berry, 43, will be flown by air ambulance from Fargo, N.D, to Edmonton.

Jeremy Putz, lead pastor of Central Baptist Church where the Berrys worshipped, said the good news is that her insurance is expected to cover the cost of the flight, her medical bills and the repatriation of the bodies of her 43-year-old husband Colin and 11-year-old daughter Rachel.

"She was actually supposed to come back (yesterday) but the doctor wanted to give her one more day," Putz said.

North Dakota Highway Patrol officers said the family of three was driving in their minivan on the Interstate 29 in Grandin, N.D., on Tuesday at 8:05 a.m. when it crossed three southbound lanes and was struck by an oncoming transport truck.

Colin and Rachel were killed and Lizyanet was seriously injured in the crash. The 61-year-old driver of the truck was not hurt. Police don't believe alcohol or speed played a part in the crash.

The family are originally from Edmonton but were living in Istanbul to serve within the small Christian community there.

They had spent the summer in Edmonton and were heading to Toronto to catch a flight back to Turkey when the collision occurred.

Putz spoke to Lizyanet several days ago and she told him it would be difficult to return to sort through Colin's clothes and Rachel's toys.

"She's been on a lot of morphine and as that goes down, returning to Edmonton, everything is all settling in," Putz said.

"She has a very strong faith and believes things happen for a purpose.

"But she's realizing she's going to be dealing with the realities of life."

Putz said there is no word on whether Lizyanet plans to return to Turkey.

Funerals for Colin and Rachel might be held later this week or early next week, but dates will not be set until Lizyanet returns to Edmonton, he added.

In the meantime, members of Central Baptist Church have set up a fund to help Lizyanet with funeral costs, finding a new place, getting a car and trying to rebuild her life.

"It's to bless her in the days ahead," said Putz.

CLARA.HO@SUNMEDIA.CA