Gippsland community heartbroken and numb after Traralgon mum Kerri O’Keefe dies at age 51

The Latrobe Valley community is mourning the loss of beloved mum and “icon” — who impacted everyone she met — after she died suddenly at home.

Beloved Traralgon women Kerri O’Keefe is being mourned by the Latrobe Valley community. Picture: Supplied

A beloved Traralgon mum is being remembered as the “brightest and happiest woman around” and a best friend to all.

Kerri Lee O’Keefe, 51, died suddenly at her home on August 7.

Cousin Di Sweeney said Kerri, also known as Kez, was an “icon” of Traralgon, was “hard working” and a “wickedly funny” single mum with a smile for everyone.

“Heartbreakingly, Kerri has left behind her 22-year-old son Beau who says she was the strongest, most honest, outgoing, brightest and happiest woman around,” Ms Sweeney said.

“Kerri loved her community and you can feel that her hometown is shattered by her sudden loss.”

Di and her sister Rachael said Kerri’s connection with people was described as being “raw”, real” and “unfiltered”.

“Kerri’s love for Beau was fierce and all-encompassing — she was his number one — and he was hers,” the pair said.

“Yesterday (Wednesday) our hearts ached for Beau knowing how proud Kez would have been of her boy.”

Kerri O'Keefe has been described as loving, always welcoming, and always looking out for others. Picture: Facebook

In addition to being a devoted mum, Kerri was the loved daughter of Tod and Faye, the sister of Tim and Bridget and the adored aunty to Paddy, Mary, Fergus, Eamon, Demi, Jake, Joel, Kaleb, Shelby and Hunter.

Kerri was also a valued waitress at Food Co on Franklin in Traralgon, where she was adored by staff and customers.

Ms Sweeney said Kerri’s funeral service was one of the largest funerals the town had ever had, with people flowing out of the chapel foyer into the carpark of the Latrobe Valley Funeral Homes, while more than 2500 people watched the livestream.

“It was just me and mum, and we built a bond so special and unique,” Beau Hutton said in his eulogy.

“I felt so safe and comfortable telling you anything and everything because I knew you wouldn’t judge or criticise any of my choices or decisions.

“Raising a boy on your own is definitely not easy, but you did it perfectly.”

Beau said his mum was the one who taught him everything he knew from honesty and resilience, to how to be a true friend and most importantly, how to always be respectful.

Kerri O'Keefe (pictured left) with her best friend Donna Leech Bailey (pictured right). Picture: Facebook/Donna Leech Bailey

“Mum, you made me the man I am today. The strength and independence you ingrained in me has somewhat built me up for this tragic situation,” Beau concluded in his eulogy.

“When Beau’s mates spoke at the funeral it was clear how precious Kerri was to the wider football community,” Ms Sweeney said.

“As one of the boys said, ‘Kez you may have only given birth to Beau, but you’ve been a mum to all of us’.”

“Her passing has broken the hearts of so many young friends who have swarmed around Beau and propped him up over the past few weeks,” Ms Sweeney said.

“Everyone knew that Beau and Kerri had big dreams for their future — the mother and son duo had planned on buying a van together so they could travel around Australia together.”

A massive crowds showed up to Kerri’s funeral service on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

Ms Sweeney said when news spread of Kerri’s death, those close to her were “inundated” with hundreds of messages asking how the community could help.

After the suggestion from their 100-year-old Nana Aileen, Di and Rachael created a GoFundMe page to ease the financial stress on Beau — with almost $60,000 raised.

“We put it out there and Kerri’s supporters answered the call with an outpouring of love that just blew us away,” the pair said.