Tributes for 33-year-old Geelong mother Brittany Rowbottom after sudden death

The family of a Geelong woman whose life revolved around her 10-year-old son are at a loss to explain her sudden death last week.

Brittany Rowbottom passed away last week at just 33 years old.

A Geelong mother’s unexpected death has left her family reeling, with the 33-year-old being remembered for her loving and caring nature.

Brittany Rowbottom suffered a heart attack last week and while first responders were able to revive her, the irreversible damage caused to her brain ultimately led to her death.

Brittany’s mother, Kaz, said her daughter was affectionate from a young age, a quality that continued into her adult life and saw her become an adoring mother to now 10-year-old Zephyr.

“She was a very affectionate person who just really wanted to help people,” she said.

“When she was little she just wanted to play with her dolls and look after them like a mother, she was so happy.”

Brittany Rowbottom and son Zephyr celebrating a big win.

Brittany was born and raised in Geelong, attending Sacred Heart College where she was a talented rower.

Kaz and Brittany shared special moments at North Geelong Netball Club when the pair won consecutive netball premierships, including one that saw the team go undefeated throughout the season.

“I actually coached her,” Kaz said.

“She was an exceptional goal shooter … Brittany also played netball at the East Geelong Football Netball Club and at Drysdale

“One day she rang me the day of the grand final, I’ll never forget it, she said ‘I can’t play, I’ve got gastro, I’m vomiting’.

“She was really sick, but she showed up, we had a bucket on the side of the court for her, poor kid.

“We lost by a couple of goals or something, but we got the cup twice (over) the next two years.”

As much as Brittany enjoyed the sport, she preferred the social aspects more.

“She just liked being around her friends,” Kaz said.

“She played sport with her teams to enjoy the friendships she created … she really just enjoyed life.”

Brittany’s biggest love in life, however, was Zephyr.

“She was a doting mother,” Kaz said.

“She was an exceptional mother, she put him first on everything, she’d always find a way to get him what he wanted or needed.”

Brittany Rowbottom’s death has left her family and friends heartbroken.

Brittany had complained of a tight chest and high blood pressure in recent weeks, but her death still came as a complete shock, according to her father Daryl.

“We still don’t know what has happened,” he said.

“We’ve had to give the all approval so they can do the autopsy.

“Depending on what they have to test for, we still might not know the cause of death for quite a while.”

A GoFundMe has been established to support Zephyr and his father, Paul, who has been left a single parent.

It has raised almost $11,000 in just three days.

Originally published as Tributes for 33-year-old Geelong mother Brittany Rowbottom after sudden death