Kingaroy mum Marissa Carney mourned by South Burnett community

Family, friends, cricket clubs across Wide Bay and the South Burnett Mayor herself have expressed their grief and huge sense of loss following the death of a ‘radiant’ and beloved wife, mum, volunteer and council worker.

A well-known and beloved “cricket mum” who died suddenly earlier this month has been remembered as “special” and a “second mum” to the young cricket players of the South Burnett.

Marissa Ann Carney, 48, died suddenly on February 10, 2025.

Her funeral notice, published by Virgo Funerals said: “Loving wife of Kieran. Adored mother to Joe. Cherished daughter to John (dec’d) and Mary, and step-daughter to Pat. Beloved sister and sister-in-law to Jenni and Gavin, Michael and Ainsley, Annmaree and Paul, Emma and Adam. Daughter-in-law to Peter and Judy.”

An outpouring of tributes and condolences filled social media, particularly from cricket clubs across the Wide Bay.

Taken too soon: Marissa Anne Carney. Source: Virgo Funerals

Marissa was the vice president of the Kingaroy Junior Cricket club, where her son played, and was a beloved member of the South Burnett cricket community.

She was remembered for her radiant smile, friendly and helpful nature, and most of all, her love and support for her son and how much she enjoyed watching him play.

“You only meet someone as special as Marissa once in a life time,” one person said.

“The devastating loss of Marissa will leave a hole that will never come close to being filled.

“Marissa loved those around her and was so loved in return.

“We will miss her at work and on cricket days so much,” another commenter said.

The Maryborough Junior Cricket Club said they were “profoundly sad” over Marissa passing, and remembered her infectious smile.

“Pure sunshine, with a smile that could light up the darkest of days, Riss was never far from Joey’s games, and could always be seen on the sideline chatting and laughing with all those lucky enough to know her, and call her a friend,” they said.

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Kingaroy Junior Cricket team and Bundaberg Cricket Club honoured "cricket mum" Marissa Carney with a minute of silence on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Source: Facebook

“Riss will be sorely missed in our work community and cricket community.

“Her amazing contribution to junior cricket is appreciated and will be forever missed.

“She was a ray of sunshine and the best company to us all,” another person wrote.

Brenda Stretton from Kingaroy Junior Cricket Club said Marissa’s death had left a hole in the South Burnett cricket family.

“A massive hole has been left in the Carney Family and our cricket family,” she wrote.

“A familiar face that was at all the games, always helping, always talking to the kids and always doing her favourite thing, watching Joe play the game he loves.”

Marissa worked as an administration officer at the South Burnett Regional Council, and was honoured during their February meeting, where the council observed a minute of silence in her memory.

Mayor Kathy Duff said the organisation had been “rocked” by her passing and she was a valued member of the team.

“I would like to mention that our organisation has been very rocked, really, with the passing of Marissa Carney,” she said.

“She was a valued member of our Council team, our organisation and particularly worked out of Nanango office, so our Nanango office are doing it tough at the moment.”

“I also wanted to extend, on behalf of council and our region, our deepest sympathy to Marissa’s family …”

A funeral service will be held in the South Burnett Crematorium Chapel in Kingaroy on Thursday, February 20, at 11am.