Funeral held for Hervey Bay’s Bridie Hennessy
A “beautiful soul”, who at just 14 ended her life amid a terrifying teen culture her mum has warned parents about, has been remembered as a talented musician who loved her family dearly.
Fraser Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Fraser Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Against the white coffin, a saxophone and pink guitar were placed, displaying two of the great passions of Bridie Hennessy’s life.
It comes after her heartbroken mum Chelsea Ramaekers revealed Bridie, who had struggled with mental health problems, tragically died by suicide on March 11.
She was only 14.
The Hervey Bay State High School student has been remembered as a “beautiful” young girl with incredible talent as a musician.
At service on Friday, funeral director Leora Kirk shared a heartbreaking tribute for the Hervey Bay teenager, honouring a “beautiful soul who left us far too soon”.
Sharing the eulogy, Ms Kirk said Bridie had been born in Victoria and was one of five children.
At 3, she had moved with her family to Hervey Bay and attended Yarrilee State School where she shown academically.
Bridie developed a love for music, picking up a guitar in Year 2 and never looking back, Ms Kirk said.
She also loved other instruments, teaching herself to play the saxophone and most recently the keyboard.
“She had an incredible talent, writing, playing and bringing music to life in a way that touched the hearts of those around her,” Ms Kirk said.
As a sister Bridie embraced the love and chaos of family life, Ms Kirk said.
As well as a passion for music, she loved sport and dancing and was a natural athlete.
She was a proud supporter of the Collingwood Football Club.
Bridie had an unbreakable connection with her mum, sharing quiet moments over cheese platters, reading or watching the footy together.
“It was in these simple moments that Bridie’s gentle and loving nature shone brightest,” Ms Kirk said, telling the crowd how the teen loved spicy foods and a cup of tea.
A poem was then shared by one of Bridie’s cousins.
Her childhood best friend also shared her memories of Bridie, calling her friend “the funniest, smartest, prettiest, kindest and adventurous one” through tears during her tribute.
“Thank you, Bridie, for being my first and truest friend,” she said,
“The friendship we built will stay with me through the rest of my life.”
A photo tribute then played showing moments from Bridie’s life to the strains of Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day.
Ms Kirk then invited those gathered to place rose petals on Bridie’s coffin before the service ended.
Meet the 2025 Hinkler federal election candidates
With the 2025 federal election weeks away and Keith Pitt announcing his retirement from politics in January, Hinkler voters already know they will be electing a new federal MP on May 3. These are the five contenders:
Murder trial hears of red stains, alleged killer’s change of clothes
A Qld landlord on trial for murder went from dishevelled to groomed shortly after his tenant’s death while red stains were found on a Prado and various items in his shed, a jury has been told. LATEST.