Walters brothers farewell mum Sandra

IPSWICH and Australia's rugby league royalty farewelled a woman who shaped some of the city's most famous exports.

IPSWICH and Australia's rugby league royalty farewelled a woman who shaped some of the city's most famous exports.

Sandra Walters, mother of Brett, Steve, Andrew, Kerrod and Kevin Walters, was buried next to her late husband Kevin Snr in Sumner yesterday.

She was remembered as a woman, who loved her family, friends and football.

Her five sons spoke of a woman who shaped them and was there for them throughout their lives.

Her sons' eulogies reflected her witty, jovial and rugby league loving nature.

Former Canberra Raider Steve Walters said she was a loving woman "always looking for the good in people".

"She had a wonderful talent for making everyone feel special, important and unique," he said.

"Whether it was an underage trial match, a school concert or the Broncos getting knocked out of the finals yet again by the Raiders."

Unsurprisingly for a mother of three Australian test players, rugby league was a big part of her life, and Steve said it was only when she didn't want to watch the game that he knew she was very unwell.

"I'm not sure if there is a selection panel that picks the heaven team, but Sandra Alison Walters has been in great form for 73 years and deserves her spot," he said. "In our eyes she should be both coach and captain as well."

An emotional Andrew Walters said he was proud of Sandra and everything she achieved.

"The toughness you showed throughout your illness I found to be unbelievable," he said.

"You were a lady right to the end and I am so proud to call you mum."

Kerrod Walters described a fun loving, giving mother who was beloved by many.

"You never said a bad word about anyone - except Benny Elias during State of Origin," he said.

Kevin Walters spoke last, emotionally describing how Sandra and Kevin Snr moved in to help him cope after the loss of his wife Kim from breast cancer.

"She didn't stay for a couple of nights; she didn't stay for a week; she didn't stay for a month; she stayed for three months," he said.

"I'll be forever grateful for that."

The Walters brothers were joined by rugby league legends, from Brisbane Broncos greats Wayne Bennett, Allan Langer, Gorden Tallis, Michael Hancock and Glen Lazarus to NRL coaches Craig Bellamy and Ricky Stuart.

Walters brothers farewell mum

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