Sophia Kaczan was knocked over at 8.30am on Monday morning in Normanton, Derby and left covered in blood after being knocked to the ground from behind.
She was also left with a fractured cheekbone but managed to stumble into St Maksymilian Kolbe Polish Church, still clutching one of the bag's gold straps.
Police have issued a picture of the ripped handbag, which was found at the junction of Moore Street and Normanton Road.
Detective Sergeant Laura Kershaw said: "The victim has been unable to give us a description of the person or persons responsible for this robbery - that is why we need your help to find who did this.
"This is a particularly nasty incident that has targeted a very vulnerable elderly woman who was unable to defend herself."
Derbyshire Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident close to the junction of St Chad's Road and Empress Road to call them on the 101 number with reference 224-280518.
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