Young mum Toni Potter, who was struck by reversing car at Morphett Vale, remembered by fiance and sister
Mother-of-five Toni Potter had only just bought her wedding dress when she was tragically killed by a reversing car at Morphett Vale.
SA News
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Toni Potter was overjoyed when she got engaged to her adoring fiance Chris Bednall.
But tragically, just months after Chris had proposed to her, the 37-year-old Christie Downs woman was killed when she was struck by a reversing car at Morphett Vale.
She left behind five children and her devoted fiance.
Her sister, Peta, said she had never seen Toni happier than she had been following the engagement to her partner of eight years.
“She was just so excited and really happy, she just had a glow about her,” Peta said.
Peta, who is based in Queensland, said she was “so honoured” to be her sister’s maid of honour.
She said Toni was busy planning for the wedding, and had only just picked out her wedding dress weeks before the accident.
“She was very family orientated. She’d do anything for anyone. If she ever found out anyone was sick, she’d be the first to contact them and see how they are, or see if she can do anything,” she said.
The young woman loved her family, friends, netball, the outdoors, and camping, Peta said.
“She always formed beautiful and lasting friendships … and had a beautiful smile that lit up the room.”
Peta said she missed her sister’s voice and still called her phone to listen to her voicemail.
“She was the best sister, when anything good or bad happened she was one of the first people I called and debriefed.”
Mr Bednall is devastated by the loss of his partner, who he called “baby girl”.
“I’ve lost the love of my life,” he said.
“Anything you needed she was there, a text, phone call, someone to talk to – she was my rock.
“You were an unbelievable mum … a true friend to so many people.”
She left behind three stepchildren – Kiarra, 19, Jordy, 16, Indy, 14 – and two children she and Chris shared – Rubi, 6 and Amelia, 4.
Mr Bednall said the children were doing as well as could be expected.
“We’re just trying to keep the structure of school and everyday life … they keep me busy,” he said.
Toni’s parents and siblings are devastated and struggling to comprehend their loss, saying it all seemed surreal and it would take time to accept Toni was gone.
Toni was remembered in a “beautiful service” on Tuesday, with a guard of honour to pay tribute to her, Peta said.
“It was beautiful to see how many lives she touched, and the perfect send off.”
A friend of Ms Potter’s, Ashlee Chappell, has started a Go Fund Me page to raise money to assist Chris and the children with ongoing expenses. The fundraiser has received more than $12,000 donations.
If you would like to donate go to: gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-toni-louise-potter