‘Gone but never forgotten’: community farewells young woman killed in crash tragedy

Heartbroken loved ones attended an adventurous young woman’s funeral two months before they were meant to see her marry the love of her life.

Tributes pour after young woman dies tragically in a fatal accident

Family and friends have said their farewells to a popular young woman with an “infectious smile” after she was tragically killed in a crash earlier this month.

Over 200 people gathered for communications professional Kira Hennessy’s funeral on Friday afternoon.

The 30-year-old’s loved ones would have been gathering for her wedding in two months, but her life was tragically cut short.

Her father Tony Hennessy broke down as he addressed the crowd, while mother Lynne consoled him.

“I wish I were saying a speech at the wedding, not here; I shouldn't have to be doing this,” he said.

Mr Hennessy remembered Kira’s love for hockey, how she loved public speaking and was an honest student who loved dancing.

“Kira, you were the light of so many people’s lives; you may be gone but never forgotten,” he said.

“To this day, I used to say to Kira, ”who saw who first”, I said ”I loved you the minute I saw you”. Kira would argue, ”I saw you first, and I knew you were gonna be a great dad, and I’d love you.”

Ms Hennessy‘s partner Josh Hollyoak told the crowd that she was “sent off with a few things with her”.

“I’ve given her swimmers, a wetsuit, a snorkel and a mask and fins, so she can go for a snorkel whenever she wants,” he said.

“She was the happiest when she was at the beach.”

Kira Hennessy’s friends and family have said their goodbyes to the young woman

Mr Hollyoak remembered how Kira lit up a room with her smile, quick wit, and “hilarious and sometimes incredibly inappropriate jokes”.

“You couldn’t help but smile when she was around. She gave out infectious energy,” he said.

He held back tears as he remembered how “inseparable” the couple were ”trying to build a better future for ourselves”.

“We were going to rule the world— our world,” he said.

“She made me who I am today. She changed me for the better in every way, and I truly wouldn’t be half the man I am today without her,”

“What I wouldn’t give to have another lazy Saturday with you. I’d cook your bacon and poached eggs on some crusty bread.”

Ms Hennessy‘s brother Chris also paid tribute to his little sister and remembered her love for furry babies.

“Kira loved cats; there wasn’t a cranky cat she couldn’t tame; she was so happy when mum and dad caved and got a cat,” he said.

He sobbed as he read a quote from one of his sister’s favourites, Winnie the Pooh.

“How lucky I am to have someone that makes saying goodbyes so hard.”

Best friend Bree remembered the time they spent together at Swinburne University.

“Kira was the sister I wish I had. We shared the same passions and had the same hobbies. I couldn’t tell you the amount of cheese, wine and her favourite ramen noodles we both consumed over the past nine years,” she said.

“I will promise to look after your parents.”

The service showcased a photo tribute that the family and Ms Hennessy‘s fiancé put together in her honour.

“She lived more in those thirty years than some do during their lifetime,” Mr Hollyoak said.

Earlier this week her loved ones described her as an “incredibly bright and bubbly person.”

Friend Bec McCall remembered how Kira loved adventures and lived life to the fullest.

“She had a wicked sense of humour who could make people laugh with her quick wit or random statements,” she said.

Ms Hennessy was due to marry in March when a fatal three-car crash at an intersection in Seville claimed the 30-year-old’s life.

“We are all in shock and struggling to come to terms with the fact that Kira is no longer with us,” Ms McCall said.

Friend Steve Swift said that Kira was “very honest and humble”.

“Anyone that knew her even for five minutes would tell how she made them feel valued, respected and appreciated,” he said.

Mr Swift, who went to high school with Ms Hennessy’s fiance, remembered how Kira and Josh complimented each other.

“Josh and Kira made a perfect union; they were inseparable,” he said