Family pays tribute to Stirling tree fall victim Judy Ditter

The family of the woman killed by a falling tree at Stirling has given an emotional tribute, saying she was their “sunshine”.

Judy Ditter was killed after a tree fell on her car as she drove into Stirling.

The night she was killed by a falling tree at Stirling, Judy Ditter was doing what she loved most – spending one-on-one quality time with her children.

The Crafers woman, 59, was driving along Mount Barker Road about 10pm on November 11 when the large branch fell on her car. She died at the scene.

Judy was taking her daughter Phoebe, 26, to her car, who was with her when tragedy struck.

Phoebe bravely paid tribute to her mother at her funeral service on Friday.

Standing with her neck in a brace and her left arm in a cast from injuries sustained in the accident, Phoebe spoke of her mum’s spontaneous and adventurous nature.

Judy Ditter

She said on the night of the accident, Judy was dropping her off at her car after a busy day, including a coffee date together that she fondly referred to as a “mummy coffee”.

“She assured me it was her great pleasure and privilege to drive me around at any time of the day, and I knew it was true,” she said.

Judy was a junior school teacher at Seymour College and committed member of Trinity Church at Aldgate. She left behind husband Bruce, children Phoebe, Sophie, 28, and Nick 31, grandson Oscar, 16 months, and parents Mary and Robert Bennett.

The service reflected that Judy’s faith in Jesus is a sure hope and comfort to her family in a time of immense grief.

Judy loved travel and always welcomed people into her home.

“You always knew when mum walked into a room not because she was particularly loud or overbearing but because she shone. (She was) our sunshine,” Phoebe said.

“Mum, life without you doesn't seem to sparkle. I’m going to miss you like crazy … I love you forever.”

Sophie said she would miss her mum’s joy, advice and support raising her son Oscar.

“Mum’s love language was words, but when I try and use words to describe her they seem inadequate,” Sophie said.

“My heart breaks that I can’t talk to her anymore about what I’m learning as a mum.

“Nick, Phoebe and I could not have asked for a better mum than you.”

Mr Ditter said his wife loved being a teacher and was loved in return by students and staff at Seymour.

Crews examine the tree that dropped a massive branch on Judy Ditter’s car as she drove under it earlier in the month, killing her. Picture: Mike Burton

He said she had always loved to drive her children around ever since their school days.

“Judy always jumped at the chance to drive our children around … she saw it as a valuable opportunity to talk to them one-on-one.

“Thank you Judy, thank you for 33 years, where you have given me the best seat ever, the best road trip ever, the best marriage ever, and I have learned so much while having the best time ever. I love you forever.”

Seymour College acting principal Vanessa Browning put out a touching tribute in the days following Judy’s death, saying she had a big heart.

“Many of our girls have been fortunate enough to have Judy as a junior school teacher … she loved our students, she loved our staff and she loved our college.”

Originally published as Family pays tribute to Stirling tree fall victim Judy Ditter