Karen Ristevski farewelled at private funeral in Essendon

UPDATE: BORCE Ristevski has broken down after carrying his wife Karen Ristevski’s coffin from the church as the much-loved Avondale Heights mother was farewelled in Essendon.

Karen Ristevski’s husband, Borce, (left and centre) was comforted as he left the funeral service carrying his wife’s coffin. Mrs Ristevski’s daughter, Sarah, led the funeral procession carring a photo of her mother. Pictures: Nicole Garmston

HUNDREDS of mourners have packed St John’s Uniting Church in Essendon to farewell suspected murder victim Karen Ristevski.

Family and friends of the 47-year-old laid flowers at the entrance of the church in memory of the mother of one before heading inside for the service.

Her husband, Borce, and daughter, Sarah, emerged from the church to say their final, painful goodbye.

Karen Ristevski’s coffin is carried from the Essendon church. Her brother, Stephen Williams (front left) and husband, Borce Ristevski (front right), were among the six pallbearers. Picture: AAP

Sarah Ristevski (centre) is comforted as the coffin is carried to the waiting hearse. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The coffin is placed in the hearse. Picture: The Australian

Karen Ristevski's brother, Stephen Williams. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

Karen's brother and husband help guide the coffin down the church’s steps. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Sarah Ristevski left the church first, carrying a photograph of her mum. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Borce Ristevski and his daughter, Sarah, arm in arm after the service. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Borce Ristevski is comforted as he leaves the service. Picture: AAP

Borce Ristevski was a pallbearer, helping carry his wife’s coffin from the church. Picture: AAP

Mr Ristevski after leaving the church as his wife’s coffin is placed in the hearse for a private burial ceremony. Picture: AAP

Karen Ristevski’s casket leaves St John’s Uniting Church. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Mourners leave the service. Picture: AAP

Some of the large turnout. Picture: AAP

Mourners comfort each other. Picture: AAP

Sarah led the procession holding a framed photo of her mother.

It’s the first time the 21-year-old has been seen since the discovery of her mother’s body.

Mr Ristevski and Mrs Ristevski’s brother, Stephen Williams, were among the pall-bearers.

Family members and friends embraced Mr Ristevski as he broke down in their arms.

Mr Ristevski, his daughter and Mr Williams left the service in a silver Chrysler where they will say their final goodbyes to Mrs Ristevski at a private burial.

Mrs Ristevski’s step-son, Anthony Rickard, revealed he was too emotional to attend the funeral service, instead posting a message to her on social media.

“Don’t want to go in, can’t explain it,” Mr Rickard wrote on Facebook.

“I apologise Karen this is my way I would say goodbye but I know one thing, you’ll be a part of me for the rest of my life.

“RIP, the good in you far outweighs the bad. I remember and will never forget ya.”

KAREN RISTEVSKI CASE: THE STORY SO FAR

Before the service priest Mark Dunn approached media opposite the church thanking them for “keeping a respectful distance” to allow the family to grieve today.

He told the Herald Sun he knew the family well.

Mrs Ristevski’s brother was embraced by mourners who gave him their condolences as he arrived.

Karen Ristevski’s casket is wheeled into the church. Picture: AAP

Mourners arrive for the funeral. Picture: AAP

There were emotional scenes outside St John’s. Picture: AAP

Mourners arrive for the morning service. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A steady stream of people filed into the church at the corner of Mt Alexander Rd and Buckley St. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Today’s funeral comes two weeks after the tragic news Karen’s body had been found in Macedon Regional Park. Picture: AAP

Borce Ristevski’s parents, Kosdadin and Nevana, arrive with flowers. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A mourner holds the order of service with a photo of Karen. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Mourners greet each other before walking into the church. Picture: AAP

More flowers arrive. Picture: AAP

Police are still appealing for information about Karen’s disappearance. Picture: AAP

Mourners arrive at the Essendon church. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Leaving a message at the church’s entrance. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The hearse arrives at St John’s. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The casket is wheeled into the church. Picture: Nicole Garmston

St John’s in Essendon. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Flowers being delivered to the church early this morning. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A large floral memorial outside the church grows in memory of Karen Ristevski. Service to begin now @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/v2cbiVRbPf

— Cassie Zervos (@cassiezervos) March 5, 2017

Karen Ristevski.

Karen's husband, Borce Ristevski. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Karen Ristevski’s body was found in Macedon Regional Park bushland. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Mrs Ristevski’s body was found in bushland at Macedon Regional Park on February 20 by a walker after months of mystery following her disappearance on June 29 last year.

Her husband was the last to see her alive.

She had left her Oakley Drive, Avondale Heights home about 10am following a disagreement with him over money.

The case has gripped Victorians ever since the 47-year-old mother vanished without a trace.

FURTHER COVERAGE

ANDREW RULE: IT SEEMS EVIL HAS VISITED IDYLLIC MT MACEDON

SECURITY CAMERAS DID NOT CATCH MISSING MUM LEAVING HOME

Information about Ms Ristevski’s disappearance to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au