Tears and tributes flow for Caitlin O’Brien who was found murdered last month

Tears and tributes have flowed to honour the life of Caitlin O’Brien, who was found murdered at her home. The loving young nurse was remembered as compassionate and full of joy.

Famil and friends have honoured the life of Caitlin O’Brien. Picture: Facebook

Music, memories and tributes filled a small chapel by the sea where friends and family on Thursday honoured the life of Caitlin O’Brien, who was found murdered at her Gardenvale home last month.

The promising nurse was “full of joy”, said her father Graham, who penned a touching farewell to his youngest daughter.

“Cait was practical, compassionate and strong willed, like her mother. Loved animals, especially dogs. Loved medicine and the arts,” Mr O’Brien wrote.

“She had a loving upbringing — she never experienced anything but love.”

Ms O’Brien was found dead inside her Kooyong Rd flat when police conducting a welfare check broke down her door last month.

Her boyfriend Shea Sturt, 32, has been charged with murder.

Mr O’Brien spoke of the bond between Cait and sister Martine, describing their friendship as “genuine love”.

Caitlin O'Brien’s father, Graham, penned a touching farewell to his beloved daughter.

He remembered his daughter’s love of learning, often finding her on the couch watching the History Channel or National Geographic, popcorn in hand.

Affectionately dubbed “Hammy”, Cait idolised her father and their shared humour.

She enjoyed going to the ballet and musicals with mum Tina.

Mr O’Brien described a young woman taking on the world. “She loved the city. The live music scene. The new and trendy eateries. The galleries and art exhibitions and shops.”

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A nurse at The Alfred, Ms O’Brien had a “sincere sympathy” for her patients.

Ms O’Brien’s uncle Mick paid tribute to the “special human being” his niece had been.

“Remember her smile and her ‘glad to see you hug’ — that special care that only nurses had,” he said.

“But at the end of this day, please, please be so glad that you were all part of Cait’s life, that you have met a very special human being.

“If you were a friend of Cait’s, there was a piece of you in her heart.”

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