Chantelle Butler remembered as amazing friend ‘who loved family to bits’

A Tasmanian mother who died tragically as she prepared to go on an adventure with her partner and two young children is being remembered as an “amazing and bubbly” friend. Read the tribute.

Chantelle Butler who died two days after Christmas with her son Edward, who has just turned one, daughter Lacey and partner Matt Bessell. Picture: Supplied by family.

Chantelle Butler, remembered as an “amazing” friend to many, never got to see her son celebrate his first birthday.

She died tragically two days after Christmas from a medical incident while driving from her Perth home to pick up her two children before she and partner Matt Bessell took their caravan on its maiden trip to Bridport.

Their son Edward had his first birthday on Sunday. The couple also have a five-year-old daughter Lacey.

Family friend Adam Beechey said Ms Butler, 33, a child care worker in Launceston, was always the first person to help out if someone needed a hand.

“If anyone needed help Chantelle and Matt would always go the extra mile,” he said.

“Chantelle was amazing. She was very kind and always so bubbly and fun, so friendly and she loved her family to bits.

“They have a huge and diverse group of friends and Chantelle will be missed so much by everyone.”

Matt Bessell with son Edward, daughter Lacey and his partner Chantelle Butler who died tragically before her son's first birthday. Picture: Supplied by family.

Mr Beechey said the day of the accident should have been one of adventure.

“What should have been the most memorable day taking the caravan on its maiden voyage when Matt finished work turned into a nightmare,” he said.

“Chantelle had been at home busily packing up the caravan for their first trip and was on her way to get the kids when she had a medical episode leaving her beautiful little family behind.

“Chantelle had a huge smile and personality and she will always be remembered and deeply missed.

Chantelle Butler who died two days after Christmas with her son Edward, who has just turned one, daughter Lacey and partner Matt Bessell. Picture: Supplied by family.

“Matt is staying strong for the kids and Lacey says to him ‘we’ll be right daddy’.”

Mr Beechey has started a GoFundMe to help the family.

“I know financially this is a hard time but I ask you to dig deep and donate whatever amount you can to help this amazing family rebuild and assist Matt to take care of Lacey and Ed,” he wrote on the fundraiser page.

“We all know if the boot was on the other foot they are the first to help out.”

Ms Butler’s funeral will be held on Thursday.

To donate to the GoFundMe go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-this-amazing-little-family?cdn-cache=0

Originally published as Chantelle Butler remembered as amazing friend ‘who loved family to bits’