‘The best Mum I could ever ask for’: Lara woman Natalie Lo Ricco remembered after cancer battle

A Lara mother of two who tragically lost her battle with a rare cancer last week is being remembered as “the strongest woman” and a devoted member of the Lara Giants Basketball Club.

Natalie Lo Ricco (right) with her sister Jo.

A Lara mother of two who tragically lost her battle with a rare cancer last week is being remembered as “the strongest woman”.

Natalie Lo Ricco fell ill with abdominal pains in 2022. She was diagnosed with cancer of the appendix.

In the years that followed Ms Lo Ricco battled the disease, striving to ensure her children were happy, and could grow up with a mum.

But Ms Lo Ricco lost her fight last Thursday, leaving behind 19-year-old son Calsey and 13-year-old daughter Mariska.

Natalie Lo Ricco with her father John.

“She was the strongest person I knew,” Mariska said.

“She was happy, even when she was in pain or not feeling well.

“She always had a smile on her face and never stopped fighting to be here with my brother and I.

“I think she was the best mum I could ever ask for.”

Calsey said his mother was an “amazing woman”.

“She had such a kind soul and (was a) loving and caring person,” he said.

“She will be greatly missed and she touched a lot of hearts whether you knew her for a day or for a lifetime.”

Ms Lo Ricco’s sister Jo remembered her as a “kind and loving person”.

Natalie Lo Ricco with her daughter Mariska.

“As sisters, we loved to argue, as sisters often do, and I would always tell her that she was the most stubborn person I had ever known. I never thought there’d be a time I was grateful for her stubbornness but then she was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer,” Ms Lo Ricco said.

“We knew it was bad very early on and there was more than one close call along the way where they told us to say our goodbyes and prepare for the worst, but Nat never lost hope.”

Ms Lo Riccoe’s father John said he could still remember clearly the first time he held her in his arms.

“She came into this world kicking and screaming and was determined to go out the same way,” he said.

“She was a unique character with her many little quirks which made her an individual talent but I would not have had her any other way.

“She was always one to stand out in the crowd. A beautiful child with a big heart.”

Lara Giants Basketball Club, where Ms Lo Ricco had been a coach, posted a tribute on social media.

“It is with great sadness the Lara Giants acknowledge the passing of former coach and wonderful club person Nat Lo Ricco,” the post read.

“Nat was a wonderful caring person who always had time for everyone and had a massive heart and such positive attitude and will be deeply missed.”

Family friend Mitchell Woods has set up a GoFundMe to raise money for the family.

“Nat and her family have done so much for me throughout the years, and I would love to be able to support them,” Mr Woods said.

“Any donations will be going straight to her family to cover funeral expenses, as well as any other expenses such as basic living, school fees etc.

“Any donation, big or small is greatly appreciated”

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-nats-family

Originally published as ‘The best Mum I could ever ask for’: Lara woman Natalie Lo Ricco remembered after cancer battle