Family, friends farewell model Savana Calvo at Darling Point funeral following death at Newtown brewery
A heartbroken father has farewelled his daughter in an impassioned eulogy, breaking down in tears as he declared the Sydney model’s death a “crushing” moment in his family’s history.
Wentworth Courier
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A heartbroken father has farewelled his daughter in an impassioned eulogy, breaking down in tears as he declared the Sydney model’s death a “crushing” moment in his family’s history.
Hundreds of loved ones and friends crammed into a Darling Point church on Friday to mourn and remember Savana Calvo, a 27-year-old woman described as “the coolest chick in the hood” after her sudden death at a brewery in Newtown two weeks ago.
The first to speak in the packed church was Ms Calvo’s brother, James, told mourners “what’s our (family’s) loss, is also your loss”.
“We’re all going to miss her energy, her laugh and definitely her sass,” he said.
He spoke about how he was the “role model” his sister was proud of, sharing humorous stories about their time together and even how protective they were of each other.
James Calvo also described her “passion” and how she was a “triple threat” - athletic, artistic and beautiful.
“She could have been anything,” he said.
“Her passion also trickled into other things.”
Fighting back emotion, he shared how she loved to help others and revealed how Ms Calvo, 27, “wanted to give me strength” through a dark time.
“Savana, there is so many things that I will miss about you,” he said.
“As a big brother. you gave me purpose, but now you’ve given me even more purpose. While you’re not with us anymore, you continue to live on in each of us.”
Savana’s father, Daniel Calvo, thanked loved ones and friends, who lined every part of the church, with some even standing in the foyer.
He said the funeral would never have been able to go ahead without donations made in support.
His friend, Adam St John-Foti, had set up a GoFundMe page, which had raised more than $28,000 to help the family with funeral costs.
Continuing his eulogy, Mr Calvo declared “life will never be the same again” without his daughter.
Like his son, he fought back tears, often pausing to catch his breath.
“Her flame shone brightly,” Mr said.
“We’ve tried to search for meaning in what has happened and we’ve been struggling … it’s a crushing moment in the family’s history.”
Despite the despair, he said it had given his family “fulfillment” to know her life would “forever be immortalised”.
“She was the coolest chick in the hood, we all know it,” he said.
“She was incredibly creative and a brilliant songwriter, and we’ve written at least six songs (together).”
His touching words were followed by prayers read out by Zoe Jackson and Liliane Viselle.
Ms Jackson shared a poem about a ship which sailed out of sight and appeared on the other side.
This was followed by a photo montage of Ms Calvo as Don’t You (Forget About Me) was played in the background.
Not long after, mourners broke down in tears, hearing Savana’s rendition of The Climb by Miley Cyrus when she was a child.
Her casket was carried out by family and transported away as cries echoed throughout the church, with Reverend David Crain telling mourners Ms Calvo was to be cremated.
Loved ones and friends lingered outside the church, embracing each other, sharing stories, memories and emotions.
They were asked to join family at a wake to continue remembering Ms Calvo.
Police have said the 27-year-old’s death is not being treated as suspicious.
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