Sandra McFarlane shares heartbreaking tributes for daughter Stephanie (Steph) McFarlane
The mother of a Gold Coast woman and bar worker who recently passed away has shared a heartbreaking tribute for her daughter who residents say had a “precious soul” and “bubbly” attitude.
Gold Coast
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The mother of a Gold Coast woman who recently passed away has shared a heartbreaking tribute for her daughter who residents say had a “precious soul” and “bubbly” attitude.
Geelong woman Sandra McFarlane shared the “shattering news” her daughter Stephanie (Steph) McFarlane, 28, passed away on July 11.
Steph, living on the Gold Coast for 10 years, and was well known for working at The Chevron Island Tavern.
Ms McFarlane said Steph was “the biggest hearted person you would ever meet” and “would always put everyone else before herself”.
“She kept her heart true and that's why people loved her,” she said.
Ms McFarlane said Steph died on the one-year anniversary of her father’s passing who lost his battle to cancer.
“It was to the day (of her dad’s death) - that’s all I will say (about Steph’s death).”
Ms McFarlane said she wanted people to remember Steph “for the beautiful soul she was”.
“I don’t want anymore rumours or speculation (about how she died),” she said.
“Stop the gossip. She is gone and we can’t bring her back. We can’t blame ourselves.
“Leave her in peace.”
Ms McFarlane said she was overwhelmed by the support from Chevron Island residents who have reached out.
“I cannot believe it. I have always been proud of her but boy I’m even more proud of her and the people she touched on that island.
“I’m getting messages from people I don’t even know. I’ve got girls doing paintings of her.
“It’s so heartfelt and I’m so grateful for those people.”
On July 16, The Chevron Island Tavern held a “celebration of life and love” memorial for Steph.
SPAR Chevron convenience store worker Melissa Collard said she was “shocked and saddened” when hearing about Steph’s passing.
“I will always remember her smiles and bubbliness when she would come into the store,” she said.
Resident Cameron Andrews said: “I feel honoured to have known her and like all of us that knew this precious soul are heart broken.
“We were richer for your life and I will always remember you with a big smile and that wonderful warm loving hug you gave.”
Chevron Tavern regular Elizabeth Kriesch said Steph would be “sadly missed and fondly remembered”.
“We are so saddened we will not see your happy smiling face when we walk into the tavern,” she said. “Your warm welcome, friendly chit chat and professionalism made us want to come to the tavern.”
Gold Coast friend of Steph, Robert Wraight painted a mural for her above Chevron Island’s Arlo’s Pizzeria.
Ms McFarlane said Steph had decided to move up from Geelong to the Gold Coast when she was just 19.
She said Steph loved sports and had represented Geelong in interstate cricket, played rugby, AFL and was a karate black belt.
But Steph’s passion was music.
“She could listen to a song and pick it up straight away,” Ms McFarlane said.
“Music was there when she needed to escape.”
Ms McFarlane said in Steph’s 10 years on the Gold Coast she had worked at Crown Plaza and the Skypoint at the Q1.
“She had an unbelievable work ethic,” she said.
Ms McFarlane said she was holding a “celebration of life” memorial for Steph on August 11 for family and friends in Geelong. The ceremony will be held at The Shell Club on Purnell Street from 1pm.
“Everyone is welcome to attend and is urged to wear something blue,” Ms McFarlane said.