Family and friends farewell murder victim Danielle Easey at Lake Macquarie
The boyfriend of murdered mother-of-two Danielle Easey has told her funeral service that he would never forgive himself for not being around when she was killed.
Newcastle
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SHE was doting mum, a loving sister and a loyal friend — and a packed funeral service for murder victim Danielle “Dell” Easey heard she still had so much more to give when her life was so brutally taken.
A fortnight after the discovery of her body, found tightly wrapped in plastic and dumped in Cockle Creek, the 29-year-old mother-of-two was remembered at a moving service at Lake Macquarie Memorial Park.
Mourners laughed and cried as a series of eulogies were read by her loving sister, Tahnee, and Ms Easey’s boyfriend, Benny Todd.
Mr Todd, who was granted day release from Cessnock Jail to attend the service, told mourners he would never forgive himself.
He had been sent back to prison for a minor breach of his parole. Ms Easey was to go missing within weeks of his incarceration.
“I had the most amazing time with you, Danielle. I truly loved her,’’ Mr Todd said.
“I am so glad I got to spend what little time we had with you. You made me love my life again. I was finally happy and loved making you giggle and smile for most of the day.
“I loved how we used to get each other presents almost every day. But mostly I loved how you could be you and I could be me.
“We were never fake and had each other’s back no matter what matter we had.’’
“I am so sorry I was not there to protect you. I will never forgive myself. I will never forget you, Miss Dell Louise.’’
Tahnee Easey, supported by brother Brendon “BJ” Easey, fought back tears as she spoke of the love between them.
“I don’t have enough words in the world for you. You are my soulmate and my best friend,’’ Tahnee said.
“You were a sensational mother, not just to your two children but to everyone around you.
“You were truly an amazing person and one hell of a hide and seek player. My brother doesn’t ever give up on anything but he would always give up on where you were.
“We will cherish every moment that we spent with you. You never failed to make us laugh and never failed to show us unconditional love.
“I am going to miss you calling me to say how proud you were of me but I was only strong because you were in my corner.’’
“You are no doubt in shock. Quite probably you are angry. Thinking that you shouldn’t be here,’’ Ms Michael said.
“Dell was taken from this world far too soon. She had so much more to give. So much more to live for. So much more to share. So much more to achieve.’’
And she later added: “Everyone is so really sad but Dell was always so happy. She was always trying to better herself.”
Following her service, family and friends released pink balloons in memory of their loved one.
Father Colonel Easey, mother Jen Collier, stepfather Tony Collier and siblings Brendon “BJ” Easey and Tahnee also released balloons, as did Danielle’s eight-year-old son, Reef.
Homicide detectives continue to investigate Ms Easey’s murder.
Her body was discovered on August 31, and detectives believe it was dumped within a week of a motorist finding it.
Ms Easey had not been seen by her family for about three weeks, as she drifted back into a drug world she had fought so hard to escape.
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