Luna Matenga farewelled at ‘fun fair funeral’ on Gold Coast
The parents of tragic Gold Coast tot Luna Matenga have paid tribute to their little “powerhouse” at a fun fair funeral.
QLD News
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Luna Matenga’s funeral was exactly as she would have loved - like a big birthday party filled with fairies, unicorns, music and dancing.
About 1500 mourners, most in fancy dress, turned out on Monday for the fun fair-themed farewell for the three-year-old Gold Coast girl who died tragically just before Christmas after she was hit by a car outside her parents’ Ormeau home three days earlier.
She passed away in the arms of her mum Jessica Feeney and dad Timi Martenga last Wednesday after they made the gut-wrenching decision to turn off her life support.
Mudgeeraba Showgrounds was transformed into a colourful fairground for little Luna. Her little white casket, covered in flowers and feathers, arrived in a hearse bedecked with balloons, accompanied by a roaring motorcycle guard of honour.
Her mother Jessica Feeney, wearing white angel wings, kissed and hugged her tearful partner Timi Matenga and other mourners before the casket was brought into the showground hall.
The showgrounds were set up with jumping castles, food stalls and other attractions for a public memorial after the service, which is restricted to 200 people because of COVID-19.
Ms Feeney said it would be a “fun, bright celebration” of her daughter’s short but magical life.
In a powerful eulogy, Ms Feeney told mourners her daughter was a brave and confident little warrior who fought to the very last breath.
Ms Feeney told how, when she knew she was going to have a daughter, she was determined she would be confident, brave and ambitious.
“In three short years, I can honestly say that is exactly what Luna has done,” she said.
Luna “excelled in everything”, swimming with eight-year-olds and “owning” the stage at dance school.
She would tell her mum: “I’m so happy Mumma; Luna so happy.”
And her striking red hair was simply amazing, Ms Feeney said.
She said Luna’s courage on the night she died had inspired her to stay strong.
“I told her ‘you are brave, you are strong you will get through this’,” Ms Feeney said.
“She didn’t get through it but she was a warrior and she fought to the very, very last breath.
“Her heart didn’t stop.
“She is a f---ing powerhouse.
“I feel so proud that Luna was my child.”
The service was filled with music, with mourners singing along to a live rendition of You Are My Sunshine led by a Matenga family member on guitar.
Outside, the sun shone brightly for Luna and all who loved her, and bubbles blown by her many little friends floated through skyward.
Before the service, Ms Feeney had told her Facebook followers: “We ask you to dress up something bright and magical (fairies, unicorns, tutus, Disney characters, princesses, anything that aligns with Luna’s personality).
“We want the day to be enjoyed by everyone, especially children in Luna’s honour.”
Ms Feeney said COVID-19 restrictions meant only 200 people were allowed inside the showgrounds hall, with 1300 people outside.
She said only family and close friends were allowed inside, with the service starting at 1pm and the public celebrations from 2pm.
Originally published as Luna Matenga farewelled at ‘fun fair funeral’ on Gold Coast
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