Sonya Knyf: Sad farewell to Ipswich mum who drowned at Gold Coast Beach on April 30

A mum who drowned on a Gold Coast beach will be farewelled on Thursday in a send-off which will let her “dance her way to Heaven”.

Drowning victim Sonya Knyf will be farewelled on Thursday, more than a fortnight after her tragic death on April 30.

Friends and family will gather for the 51-year-old Ipswich woman’s funeral in the Brisbane suburb of Mt Gravatt.

Ms Knyf drowned at Rainbow Bay’s Froggy’s Beach after being swept off the rocks by rough swell.

Her 14-year-old daughter Tara dived in to try and save her while 16-year-old son Bailey alerted lifesavers. Both mother and daughter were pulled from the water by bystanders but Ms Knyf could not be revived.

Gold Coast drowning victim Sonya Knyf

The teens are now being cared for by Rod and Christina Beveridge, the family’s lifelong friends and neighbours while permanent living arrangements are decided.

Mrs Beveridge said: “No-one can ever take your place as a mother, sister, and best friend. I promise you I will be there and watch over your children as they grow up.”

The service will pay tribute to Ms Knyf’s love of dancing and her close relationship with her children.

Froggy's Beach where Ms Knyf died on April 30. Picture, John Gass

A family spokesman said: “Sonya’s smile always lit up a room, she loved dancing, bright red roses and of course her beautiful children. She always had a smile when she was with her kids.”

“We will give her the best send-off we can so that she can dance her way to Heaven.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the single mother’s children, who both have special needs. The family lived amid financial hardship, with the children growing up in difficult living conditions. More than $12,000 has already been raised.

To contribute, CLICK HERE.

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