Airlie Montgomery’s life celebrated by parents Cory and Katie at emotional Shoalhaven funeral

A grieving father at a funeral has tearfully opened up on the moment he walked to the location where his little girl Airlie Montgomery died and spoke to her, as the community gathered to mourn her tragically short, but radiant life.

Cory and Katie honoured their six-year-old daughter, Airlie's life on Thursday. Pictures: Supplied

The parents of little Airlie Montgomery have shared their heartbreak as they remembered and celebrated their “magic Airlie fairy” as a beautiful girl who changed the lives of everyone who knew her.

Cory and Katie Montgomery honoured their six-year-old daughter at her funeral on Thursday, just weeks after she wandered 800m from home to The Grotto Reserve, North Nowra, and tragically fell from the cliffs on March 16.

Mr Montgomery stood before the crowd at Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, recalling the emotional words he spoke to his daughter after her heartbreaking death.

“A few days ago, I walked those 800m,” he said, holding back tears.

“I sat at the edge of those cliffs on my own. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and I spoke out loud.

Cory Montgomery with wife, Katie Montgomery, speaking of the emotional words he shared with his daughter. Picture: Supplied.

“I said, hey Fairy – you couldn’t have picked a more beautiful spot. I can hear you calling to me, but I’m so sorry baby – I have to stay here to look after mummy.”

Airlie’s father admitted to the crowd gathered to honour his little girl, that at times, it felt lonely raising a daughter with non-verbal autism.

Airlie's parents Cory and Katie hugging at her funeral. Picture: Supplied

Dad Cory with daughter, Airlie. Picture: Supplied.

But, he said looking out at the sea of mourners all donning Airlie’s favourite colour, purple, that he knew otherwise.

“To every person here touched by Airlie’s inextinguishable light, thank you,” he said.

Airlie’s cousin, Marley Mosman, remembered her family member and friend for her infectious “belly laugh”.

“In these few short years, she touched us in ways we never thought she could,” she said.

Marley Mosman said she missed her cousin, Airlie. Picture: Supplied.

“We watched her grow into the precious little girl she was.”

Airlie’s therapists, Claire and Emma, who worked closely with her, said the “bright little girl” saw the world in a different way to others.

“She noticed the most beautiful details that others might miss,” Claire said.

“She faced the world with courage and determination.”

Emma, fighting back tears, remembered her “little friend”, saying they were employed to teach her, but in the end “she taught us”.

Airlie’s therapists, Emma (left) and Claire (right). Picture: Supplied.

Katie saying goodbye to daughter, Airlie. Picture: Supplied

“We are absolutely heartbroken to say goodbye,” she said.

As Airlie’s casket was lifted and carried from the hall, the words of her favourite song, Roar by Katy Perry, echoed through the room; “I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, Dancing through the fire, ‘Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar”.

The words of the song continued as mourners left the hall blowing bubbles – an activity Airlie loved.

Her mum rested her head on her beautiful daughter’s casket, tears rolling as she said goodbye.

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Originally published as Airlie Montgomery’s life celebrated by parents Cory and Katie at emotional Shoalhaven funeral