Hundreds of people gathered at the Doug Lindsay Reserve in Creswick to farewell Carmel Mitchell after her life was tragically cut short in a bus crash near Avoca.
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A touching service was overseen by Parish Priest Ryan Bennett of St John’s Anglican Church in Creswick with members of Mrs Mitchell’s family remembering the woman they lost too soon.
Mrs Mitchell’s children, Darren, Tania and GJ, recounted the cherished memories they have of their mother in a heartfelt eulogy that spoke truly of the loss they have felt and the support they have received over the last week.
They painted a picture of a passionate woman who loved her community like an extension for her family and who cared deeply for everyone she came across.
They spoke of Mrs Mitchell’s love of all sports and the unwavering encouragement she gave to her children and grandchildren in all their endeavours.
“When our family grew and grandchildren came along, she glowed with pride – and that’s an understatement.”
“Every birthday featured one of grandma’s cakes and a huge serve of grandma’s love.”
There were happy memories shared of summers sleeping in a tent at the beach and Mrs Mitchell’s love of running a shop in Creswick, laughing with every member of the community.
“We have wondered, how do we go on without her?” daughter Tania said.
“When we love our families, that’s mum; when we cherish our friends, that’s mum, when we show compassion, that’s mum; her love will be with us forever.”
Mrs Micthell’s love of all sports, bowls being the most recent passion keeping her active, was legendary and her dedication to all her teams was second to none.
“Her commitment and willingness to do everything for the team was what set her apart,” son GJ said.
She was an active and involved member of many community groups and gave 40 years of service to the Lions Club of Creswick.
Members of bowling clubs from all over the region formed an honour guard for her coffin before the family retired for a private committal at the Creswick Cemetery.