By KATH GANNAWAY
KELLY Crowley and her young son Ethan were farewelled last week as the Yarra Glen community continues to grapple with the loss of two beautiful souls.
More than 500 people attended the funeral at Lilydale on Friday, 20 March, of 34-year-old Kelly and nine-year old Ethan who died in a tragic car roll-over on the Goulburn Valley Highway at Molesworth on 9 March.
Kelly and Ethan died at the scene but Kelly’s two younger daughters, Sierra, 6, and Tahli, 2, survived and are at home.
Many speakers paid tribute to Kelly who was popular among family, friends and work colleagues.
Describing her as optimistic and bubbly, they said she would be keenly missed by those who were closest.
Little Ethan, they said, would be remembered as a witty, open and enthusiastic little boy who would be sadly missed by all who enjoyed being part of his life.
Siera and Tahli attended part of the funeral ceremonies and it was said they are recovering well from the accident.
At the Lilydale ceremony Ethan’s father, Brett Healey thanked the many local, interstate and overseas people who attended, along with students from Yarra Glen Primary School where Ethan was a student.
Father Bob Maguire spoke at the ceremony about the tragedy of losing two young people, saying: “They will always be with us”.
He said that the graveside ceremony was like a protest.
“These are young people and their deaths are against the natural order,” he said.
“We need to change the way we do things to make sure that such a tragedy doesn’t occur in the future.”
A fund has been established to support Sierra and Tahli.
Fund spokesperson and long-term friend, Cath Grbac, also spoke of the loss.
“Kelly was such a fun-loving soul and a good friend and mother,” she said.
“We are all missing her terribly; and Ethan was a bright boy who will never be forgotten.”
Ms Grbac thanked those who have already donated to the fund and who have sent their best wishes and love.
To donate to the ‘In memory of Kelly and Ethan Fund’ visit http://www.youcaring.com or donate at the Commonwealth Bank BSB 063-252 A/c number 1050 4149.
She said as the fund progresses details would be published on Facebook at the ‘In memory of Kelly and Ethan’ page.
Any queries can be emailed to kellyandethan3775@gmail.com.
