Tributes flow for Sunshine Coast mum of three, Stacey Lee Tregear

A heartbroken woman has shared the tragedy of her best friend’s suicide saying she was a ‘beautiful, smart, kind and successful’ single mum of three. Warning: distressing content.

Stacey Lee Tregear. Picture: GoFundMe.

A heartbroken Sunshine Coast woman has shared the gut-wrenching and tragic story behind her best friend’s suicide saying she was a “beautiful, smart, kind and successful” single mum of three.

Stacey Lee Tregear, 37, died on March 20, leaving behind her three children Tyler (15), Kody (13) and Summer (9).

She was studying a Bachelor of Social Work at university.

Close friend Jodi Ganley was supporting Stacey’s family and said her friend had lost her battle with mental health.

Ms Ganley had been best friends with Ms Tregear since high school and even married her cousin.

“We went from best friends to literal family and I will forever be thankful for that,” Ms Ganley said.

Jodi Ganley and Stacey Lee Tregear. Picture: contributed.

“She was a beautiful soul, both inside and out.

“Her kindness radiated in everything she did, from the way she offered a warm smile to those around her, to the genuine care she showed for others’ wellbeing.

‘Stace,’ as friends often referred to her, had battled with many different levels of trauma in her life and faced an ongoing fight with mental health.

“Though her struggles were invisible to many she had presence, grace, love and appreciation for her family, friends and carers,” Ms Ganley said.

“She was sadly silently losing the battle with her own mental health. Her fight was relentless, and despite all her efforts the burden became too heavy.

“Stacey's doctors have informed us that she was dealing with dissociative identity disorder.”

Stacey Lee Tregear. Picture: GoFundMe.

Stacey had been living with her parents in Deception Bay but had previously spent most of her time in Maroochydore.

Ms Ganley said her best friend’s laugh could light up a room, and her presence brought comfort to anyone who needed it.

“Her heart was full of love and compassion, always thinking of ways to help, to support, and to lift others up,” she said.

“If you were a friend of Stace’s you will know that, she loved you.

“She loved and appreciated wholeheartedly those who gave her their time.”

Stacey Lee Tregear. Picture: contributed.

“Her hugs so intense from the joy she felt when being in your presence, her appreciation of you was unfathomable,” she said.

“She was a bogan, she had the potty mouth of a sailor, wore pluggers like they were going out of fashion, her hair always looking like she’d just rolled out of bed… but when she scrubbed up, she scrubbed up really well – an absolute queen!

“She loved anyone and everyone that gave her their time of day. As a young girl she loved playing footy, you’d almost say she was one of the boys. Her confidence on the field was indescribable.”

Stacey’s children were the light of her life.

“Her joy and love for her three children, even during her own battles, was endless. Stace loved her children with her entire being, and no-one can take that away from her,” Ms Ganley said.

“During her battles Stace still continued to achieve greatness, completing a university degree. She was known for being clever and always challenging tutors, much as she did to teachers during high school.”

Stacey Lee Tregear. Picture: contributed.

Ms Ganley said she wanted to share her best friend’s tragic story to inspire others to seek help.

“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness,” she said.

“Mental health conditions are treatable and recovery is possible.

“Please be kind to yourself and accept support from family, friends and most importantly, professionals.

“Do not just seek help, accept it. Don’t let the stigma silence you, It is okay, to not be okay.”

The family now face the unimaginable financial strain of funeral costs and support for Stacey’s three children.

You can support the family here.