Funeral held for Maryborough crash victim Michale Chandler

Loved ones have said “goodbye for now” to a beloved wife and mother who was one of the three women killed in a crash allegedly caused by a teen in a stolen car.

Facebook image of Michale Chandler with husband Matthew. Michale died in a car crash in Maryborough

Purple and orange balloons flew high from a nearby fence as hundreds gathered to farewell a beloved wife and mother who one of three woman killed in a crash last month.

Michale Chandler, 29, was killed in the crash on Saltwater Creek Rd in Maryborough that also claimed the lives of Kelsie Davies, 17, and nurse Sheree Robertson.

Crash survivor Kaylah Behrens, 23, remains in hospital after waking from a coma.

A 13-year-old boy, who was allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen car, has been charged in relation to the crash.

Reach Church members 17-year-old Kelsie Davies and church pastor Michale Chandler, 29 were killed in the crash, as well as 52-year-old Hervey Bay nurse Sheree Robertson (left), who was in a separate vehicle.

Across the road from Reach Church where Ms Chandler’s funeral service was held on Tuesday morning, Carramar Community Pre-School and Kindergarten had tied orange and purple balloons and placed a sign that read “fly high Michale”.

The kindergarten also honoured Ms Davies in a similar way during her funeral, flying red balloons, her favourite colour.

The community has been in mourning since the tragic crash on April 30, with dozens of floral bouquets and other tributes left at the crash site near the Maryborough entrance sign.

Across the road from Reach Church where Ms Chandler’s funeral service was held on Tuesday morning, Carramar Community Pre-School and Kindergarten had tied orange and purple balloons and placed a sign that read “fly high Michale”.

Michale Chandler's funeral in Maryborough on May 23.

Ms Chandler was in the same vehicle as Ms Behrens and Ms Davies when the crash happened.

All three members of Reach Church were returning from Hervey Bay after seeing a movie when the tragedy occurred while Ms Robertson was driving home to Hervey Bay after finishing her shift at Maryborough Hospital.

Ms Chandler grew up in Townsville, attending Pimlico State High School and according to Facebook, worked at the Townsville City Church.

Ms Chandler’s husband, Matthew, paid tribute to the beloved wife and mother on Facebook.

“It is with the utmost heavy heart that we say goodbye for now to our darling Michale Chandler,” he wrote.

“You were and will continue to hold the world’s greatest wife and mum award.

A heartfelt card dedicated to Michale Chandler sits at the crash site.

“Until we meet in heaven my Queen, love you to the moon and back.”

Family friend Ben Collingwood also paid tribute to Ms Chandler.

“Michale was an incredible woman who inspired so many young people,” he said.

“She will be massively missed by her church community especially.”

A tribute card left at the site of the crash dedicated to Ms Chandler read their “beloved sister” was a woman of faith who is “confident and fearless” and put her trust in God.

Facebook image of Michale Chandler who died in a car crash in Maryborough

Another tribute message for all three victims said, “although we never know you, our hearts are heavy and so sad”.

“May you all RIP and fly high with the angels.

“You will not be forgotten.”

Reach Church Fraser Coast Pastor Darren Hayhoe said he had known Ms Chandler since she was 13.

A natural leader, Ms Chandler immediately found her vocation as a pastor and leader.

“Michale is one of the most beautiful young ladies that I know – she’s a great wife, phenomenal mum and a great friend to a lot of people,” he said.

Mr Hayhoe set up a fundraiser to support each of the crash victims’ families.

So far the GoFundMe has raised more than $109,000.

Originally published as Funeral held for Maryborough crash victim Michale Chandler