By KATH GANNAWAY
Fund set up for the two little daughters of Kelly Crowley who died in a car crash along with her son Ethan…
THE tragic deaths of Yarra Glen mum Kelly Crowley and her son Ethan in a car crash on the Labour Day weekend has devastated family, friends and the Yarra Glen community.
Kelly, 34, was driving back from a camping weekend with friends on Monday afternoon, 9 March, when her car ran off the road at Molesworth on the Goulburn Valley Highway.
Kelly and nine-year-old Ethan died in the crash and her daughters, six-year-old Sierra, and two-year-old Tahli, were injured.
As family members, friends, colleagues and the Yarra Glen school community struggle to come to terms with a terrible loss, three of Kelly’s closest friends have made a commitment to ensure that her precious girls will be cared for, as she would have done herself.
“Kel’s family was her life. Her first priority always was her children,” said Catherine Grbac who is spokesperson for the Fund.
“Now, we’re making it our priority, and it will continue to be, added Niki Silverman who first met the little girl who was to become her life-long ‘bestie’ at Mount Evelyn Primary School.
Michelle Gilmour and Catherine became part of what quickly became an inseparable ‘sisterhood’ when the girls met up at Lilydale High School.
Camping trips up the bush were a big part of many wonderful times the four families have shared over the years.
Kelly’s fun-loving nature, devotion as a mum and loyalty as a friend were just part of what made her a great friend Catherine said.
“Every part of her loved life; she loved music, had a fantastic singing voice and a vibrant personality.
Michelle said she would do anything for anyone.
“She loved children and animals … she loved everyone,” Niki added.
Their faces light up when they speak of Ethan who they said was the most beautiful, caring little boy; a bright, happy boy who adored and was adored by his beautiful sisters, who Catherine said were recovering well.
She said the girls had loving dads and extended family who are devastated by the loss of two irreplaceable people in their lives.
“What we are doing as friends is setting up what will become a registered, legal trust fund for the girls,” she said.
“It’s in memory of Kelly and Ethan, but it’s very much about Sierra and Tahli and ensuring that they have what they need as they grow up to have the best life possible.”
The fund will cover things such as schooling, clothing, any health needs.
“Our aim is to support the girls long-term,” Catherine said.
Yarra Glen Primary School also last week spoke of the grief of losing two people who were so much a part of their lives.
Principal Sue Di Giacomo said it was a tragedy for the school community
“Ethan was a very popular member of our school and was respected by his friends and teachers for his kind and caring nature,” she said.
She said Kelly was an active parent and that they would both be sadly missed.
Donations can be made through the fund-raising website www.youcaring.com by searching In Memory of Kelly and Ethan.
