Parents of Echuca woman mourn the loss of daughter to heart condition

Family and friends have farewelled a popular youth worker who died suddenly this month, aged 29. Read their tributes.

Brittany Prendergast.

A youth worker with an “infectious laugh” has been remembered by family and friends after her sudden death.

Brittany Prendergast, 29, died suddenly earlier this month, leaving her loved ones heartbroken.

Her father Max was audibly upset as he expressed the family’s heartbreak.

“We are totally devastated and so exhausted at the moment,” he said.

“She was a popular girl and loved by everyone.”

Ms Prendergast was originally from Echuca but had been living and working as a youth worker in Melbourne.

Her family confirmed the much-loved young woman had a congenital heart condition and passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Brittany Prendergast with mum Sharon and dad Max. Source: Facebook.

The condition is an abnormality in the heart that develops after birth and affects the way blood flows into the heart.

Sometimes it can be mild and other times have long term implications.

Mr Prendergast wanted to raise awareness of the condition he said took his daughter “too early”.

“From your infectious laugh, to the way you make everyone in your life a better person just by being you,” he said.

Friend Koralynn Carroll remembered Ms Prendergast as a caring soul who would be missed.

“Truly the most positive, fun loving soul. Huge loss to all that knew Britt,” she said.

Ms Prendergast was a popular member of the Echuca United Football Netball Club.

“Britt was a fun loving and bubbly member of the club for many years and will be sadly missed by so many who were lucky enough to know her,” a spokesperson said.

“Our thoughts are with Max, Sharon, Ryan, Chelsea and family during this incredibly tough time.”

Ms Prendergast’s funeral was hosted on Wednesday afternoon in her hometown of Echuca.

Her death came ahead of heart awareness month, dubbed REDFEB, to be hosted throughout February.

Throughout the month Heart Research Australia will raise awareness about the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of women with heart disease.

Heart disease - which includes genital heart defects, coronary artery disease and heart rhythm issues - is globally the biggest cause of death for women.