Sunshine Coast woman dies in sleep while “fighting Covid-19”, son pays tribute

The heartbroken son of a Sunshine Coast woman who died in her sleep while “fighting Covid” has paid tribute to his “wonderful mum”.

A Sunshine Coast church worker is in shock after his mother died while fighting Covid-19 and his father continues to battle the virus in hospital.

Mark Dunlop, 29, has described his mother Felinda as a “kind, loving and thoughtful” woman who had time for anyone.

Mrs Dunlop died in her sleep on January 7, aged 64.

Her husband of more than 30 years Frank, 82, remains in hospital with Covid-19 symptoms.

The Health Department refused to confirm whether it was investigating the death due to “patient confidentiality”.

But Mr Dunlop said both parents were fighting Covid-19 and an autopsy for his mother was underway.

He said he was heartbroken to lose his mother but was overwhelmed by the “love, support and prayers” that had poured in from the community.

He said his mother who lived in Yandina was a devout Christian whose faith forged many connections around the world and would be sorely missed.

“Mum’s name is actually a coined name. Fe means faith and Linda means beautiful,” Mr Dunlop said.

“That’s who she was, just a kind, loving and thoughtful woman. She would have so much time for you and tried to make you feel special.

“She took interest in people and would remember their names or things about them. People liked that about her.

“She was the best mum and cared so deeply about her family, both home and abroad.”

Mr Dunlop said the death came as an extreme shock.

Keyline Realty business co-ordinator Mark Dunlop also works at Suncoast Christian Church at Woombye.

He said his parents were unvaccinated but had shown symptoms of the virus.

“Both her and dad were fighting Covid,” he said.

“Dad is 82 so we were more concerned about him.

“There’s a strong assumption that it was Covid but it’s hard to tell the exact cause of death until the autopsy has been completed.”

Mr Dunlop said his father remained in hospital but was “recovering well”.

Queensland has recorded 22,069 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, with 30 people in intensive care and eight on ventilators.

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard said the latest data showed vaccinations worked.

“You are nine times more likely to end up in hospital if you are unvaccinated than if you are triple vaxxed,” Dr Gerrard said.

Sunshine Coast woman Felinda Dunlop, who recently died in her sleep, is pictured with her son Mark and husband Frank.

Global Connexions Church pastor Tom Searle said Mrs Dunlop was a well-loved member of the congregation at Kawana and at the New Life Church, Nambour.

“She was vibrant, full of life and always a joy to be with,” Mr Searle said.

“She loved Jesus with her heart and mind and was well loved within our community.”

Mr Dunlop, who works as a creative director at Suncoast Christian Church, was heavily influenced by his upbringing.

“Definitely. The way she lived and loved was a beautiful reflection of her faith and that was imparted to me,” Mr Dunlop said.

“She had such a strong faith in Christ and we know we will meet her again.

“When I shared the news online the support just blew me away. She touched so many lives over the years, here on the Sunshine Coast and around the world.”

Mr Dunlop said his mother would be farewelled at Gregson and Weight Nambour and encouraged everyone who knew her to come along. No date has been set.