Townsville’s Kristina Townsend dies from lung cancer complications

A Townsville family has been left shattered after a “generous and selfless” mother passed away only five weeks after she was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.

A Townsville family has been left shattered after a “generous and selfless” mother passed away only five weeks after she was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.

Kristina Townsend recently learned she had lung cancer, despite not being a smoker.

The 44-year-old tragically died on March 30 as a result of the condition, with tumours having spread to her sternum, neck, shoulder, lower spine, kidneys and liver.

Mrs Townsend spoke with the Townsville Bulletina month ago about her diagnosis.

“I was shocked,” Mrs Townsend said at the time.

“They are running a lot of tests at the moment and trying to see where they can go from here.

“They are figuring out what treatments can be done.

“I’m just hoping they can figure out what’s going on and they can cure me so I can see my kids grow up and just have a normal life.”

The mum-of-two leaves behind her son Sean, 6, daughter Holly, 5, and husband Steven.

The Rasmussen family have been left broken by Mrs Townsend’s death, who kept in high spirits throughout her battle.

The family was hoping she would be able to return home soon to continue her fight but it wasn’t to be.

Unexpected complications caused Mrs Townsend to have a stroke and passed away.

Kristina and Steven met more than 35 years ago at Rasmussen State School when Steven saw his future wife standing alone.

He promised to buy her a box of Roses chocolates if she would be his girlfriend and the rest is history.

A GoFundMe has been set up by close friend to the family Jen Alexander to help support them.

Ms Alexander praised Mrs Townsend’s selflessness, saying she was “known by everyone and volunteered everywhere”.

“I was with her as she took her last breath and departed this world as beautifully as she lived it on Tuesday evening,” Ms Alexander said.

“It was an absolute honour to be by her side.

“Her husband Stevie and kids Sean and little Holly are in shock and absolutely devastated.”

The money from the GoFundMe will go towards helping the family pay for farewelling Mrs Townsend.

Originally published as Townsville’s Kristina Townsend dies from lung cancer complications