By Najma Sambul
Against a backdrop of women around Australia having died in violent circumstances at the rate of one every four days so far this year, Hannah McGuire’s mother had a message on Monday for those who came to farewell her daughter.
“We come together with great sadness, but also with thanks for the time we had with her. Today we celebrate Hannah’s life and all the things that made her the amazing daughter that she was,” Debbie McGuire told mourners at a funeral home chapel in Ballarat North.
The funeral for Hannah McGuire, 23, was held in Ballarat North on Monday.
“Hannah touched our lives in profound ways and her memory will forever remain etched in our soul. Hannah, we miss the way your presence made everything feel right.”
Hundreds of mourners packed the funeral home to farewell the 23-year-old Clunes woman. She was among the women who died under allegedly violent circumstances nationally in April, including three found dead in the past week.
The Doveton Park Funeral Centre quickly filled for the service, which meant some attendees had to gather outside. Many wore white ribbons and wiped away tears throughout the service, where McGuire was remembered as a proud educator and fun-loving friend.
“We come to celebrate the life, love, and spirit of Hannah McGuire,” said celebrant Jenny Funston. “This day is all about Hannah, loving daughter of Glenn and Deb, loved and loving sister of Fletcher and Jude.”
Essendon player Jayden Laverde (facing camera) greets a friend before Hannah McGuire’s funeral.Credit: Joe Armao
McGuire’s death rocked the small town of Clunes, about 36 kilometres north of Ballarat. Her body was found on April 5 and her ex-boyfriend, Lachlan Young, 21, has been charged with murder.
Nicole van Berkel, a lifelong friend of McGuire’s parents, remembered an exceptional young woman who inspired the lives of those around her with her determination to succeed in her education and sports.
“Hannah was highly competitive and fiercely determined. It was evident in the way she played sport, tackled her education and later her career as a junior basketballer. Hannah may have been small, but her competitive nature was huge,” van Berkel said.
“Hannah pursued her dreams with unwavering resolve. Her tenacity inspired us all.”
Debbie McGuire, Hannah’s mother, speaks at her daughter’s funeral.Credit: Nine News
Van Berkel recalled stories of McGuire’s upbringing, her love and sibling rivalry with her brothers when they were born, and how she “grew up to be an extremely loving and strict big sister, always keeping her brothers in line”.
A number of Essendon footballers attended the funeral, including Hannah’s cousin Nick Hind, Bombers captain Zach Merrett, and Jake Stringer and Jayden Laverde.
Essendon captain Zach Merrett at Hannah McGuire’s funeral.Credit: Joe Armao
A video tribute was played from the staff and pupils at Delacombe Primary School, where McGuire worked for four years, initially in after-school care before she became a teacher’s aide. Her former pupils remembered her as a kind and thoughtful presence in the classroom.
“Hannah wasn’t just a teacher, she was a friend. I will miss you,” one pupil said in the video.
Another said he would miss her cheerful greetings in the mornings.
“She would give me a big hug and always encourage me. I will miss you so much, Hannah, my mornings at care will not be the same without you.”
Another video showed photos of McGuire as a child with her brothers on a beach, with her friends and her family. The montage of photos was shown as Memories by Dean Lewis and Goodbye by Kenny Rogers played.
“We remember the countless moments we shared with Hannah, the family holidays to a favourite place, Bali, the inside jokes, the laughter, each memory a treasure,” van Berkel said.
A casket adorned with white and pink roses was carried out of the chapel by her family and friends, as Goodbye played again and mourners wiped away tears and held each other.
Hundreds of cars banked along Doveton Road following a hearse to the Creswick Cemetery in Creswick, where McGuire was laid to rest.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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