Holiday tragedy: Qld mum dies suddenly on dream European trip

Redland mother Emma Sophios has died suddenly just two days into a dream holiday in Greece, sparking an outpouring of tributes from the tight-knit bayside community.

Popular Redland mum Emma Sophios loved working at IGA Cleveland. Pictures: Contributed

A dream European getaway has ended in tragedy for a Redland family, after beloved mother Emma Sophios died suddenly just two days into a five-week holiday with her father in Greece.

The unexpected loss has sparked a wave of grief across the bayside, with friends and family launching an online fundraiser to help bring her body home and support her two children.

Ms Sophios was well known in Redland after working in customer service for Jones and Co, which owns the popular IGAs at Cleveland, Mount Cotton and Redland Bay.

The vivacious mother of two had travelled to Greece for what was described as a “rejuvenating getaway”, a bonding trip with her father.

But within 48 hours of arriving, their plans were shattered by her sudden death.

Emma Sophios with her family. Picture: Facebook

She was often seen at the busy Cleveland IGA smiling and laughing with customers.

Close friend Kendyll Rivers said her heart was broken.

“Emma was my best friend,” she wrote.

“Please donate to help bring her home to her family and support them in this difficult time.”

A post on the GoFundMe campaign described Ms Sophios as “a shining light” who had “left this world far too soon”.

Friends have helped the family, pushing online donations up to nearly $6000 overnight.

Many remembered Ms Sophios stepping in to ensure the busy up-market grocery store in Cleveland ran smoothly at peak times including after 3pm when many high school students descended on the store for after-school snacks.

“I often saw her skilfully tell the school kids to move out of the way when they were standing in the way of customers – she always did it with a smile on her face and never had any trouble,” Cleveland customer Stephany Richards said.

“She was very good at what she did and could sell you anything from brussels sprouts to chocolates – while making it fun.

“I’ll miss her because she was always upbeat.”

Family friend Gina Jewell also paid tribute.

“This is a profound and unimaginable loss indeed,” Ms Jewell said.

“Emma will always have a special place in my heart.

“A genuine, true, full-of-love person, who lit up the room.

“I’m so sorry that her beautiful children have lost their mum.”

Her former partner Robert George, the father of her two children, also paid tribute.

“Though Emma and I went our separate ways in life, she will always hold a profound place in my heart for the incredible role she played in bringing our children into this world,” he wrote.

“Her passing is an unthinkable loss.”

Colleagues also paid tribute to Ms Sophios, who was well liked at work.

The family is now working to repatriate her body and arrange a funeral.

The cause of death has not yet been publicly confirmed.

Donate to help the family

Originally published as Holiday tragedy: Qld mum dies suddenly on dream European trip