Mackay mum Natalie Frahm to be honoured by family, friends with memorial service

She was full of life and gave everything a go, whether it was skateboarding, wood carving, engraving, smoking meats or even boxing. For those that knew her, she was much more than her last moments.

Mourners gather early at the funeral of Natalie Frahm in Mackay on June 4, 2024. Picture: Fergus Gregg

A woman “tragically” killed in the driveway of her home is being remembered as a “devoted and loving mother” with a contagious enthusiasm for life and many a hobby.

About 50 family and friends gathered inside the chapel at Mackay’s Newhaven Funerals on Thursday to farewell Natalie Jane Frahm.

Robin, her uncle, thanked those who had travelled from across Australia to be there - including from Western Australia, Melbourne, Geraldton, Sydney and Gympie - as well as those who were there in spirit from the UK and New Zealand for their “overwhelming support” for Ms Frahm’s family since her death on June 19.

Robin said his niece was a “devoted and loving mother” to her son Tayden and daughter Kirby who were “her world”.

“She would do anything she could for them,” he said in his eulogy.

He said Natalie and the children settled in Mackay in 2021 and she was in the process of applying to university to study to become a paramedic.

Image of booklet taken at the funeral of Natalie Frahm on July 4, 2024. She was shot and killed in her Mackay driveway, the alleged shooter facing murder charges. Picture: Fergus Gregg

“Natalie was so enthusiastic with life; she was such a spontaneous and outgoing person who was always willing to give everything a go,” he said, adding this included myriad hobbies including skateboarding, wood carving and engraving, smoking meats and the one hobby that “stuck”: boxing.

Funeral for Natalie Jane Frahm who was shot and killed by Ryan Cole in Mackay, family and friends attended the funeral - screen grabs from the service

“It quickly became her passion attending a class nearly every day of the week,” he said as he gave a nod to members of the Mang-gon Thai Boxing Gym who had worn their jerseys to the service and placed boxing gloves and an armband by Ms Frahm’s casket.

Robin said Natalie was born in Rockhampton as the middle sibling of brother Andrew and sister Samantha, with the family being raised mostly at Gympie.

He said she worked remotely for her brother’s business as a customer service manager “and was the heart of the team”, using her “infectious, positive attitude” to spread cheer and ensure every birthday was celebrated and “staff morale was boosted”.

Early arrivals at Natalie’s funeral. Picture: Fergus Gregg

Robin said Natalie was a “very kind and generous person” who was always there for others, describing how she had met people “doing it tough living in tents” and went home to cook them warm meals.

“Natalie taught us to not take life too seriously, always give things a go and make everything fun,” he said.

“Natalie was tragically taken from us way too early but there are so many wonderful memories that will live on forever ... you touched so many lives.

“Your humor, kindness and energy will continue to forever inspire those who are lucky enough to know you

“Rest in peace darling Natalie.”

Celebrant Toni Piper Green said Ms Frahm’s death had shocked those she left behind who were “trying to make sense of it all”.

“Losing someone is hard, losing a loved one out of the blue is even more difficult,” Ms Green said, adding it was all the “more earth shattering” that two children had lost their mum.

“No words can ease the pain of your loss,” she said.

“Your world has been cut short... this pain and this loss is a stark reminder that life doesn’t always follow the exact order that we expect.

“Today let us reach out to each other to find comfort and to soothe the ache that is in your hearts.”

Funeral for Natalie Jane Frahm who was shot and killed by Ryan Cole in Mackay, family and friends attended the funeral - screen grabs from the service

The friends who spoke at the funeral of the memories they shared with Natalie all remarked on her generosity and warmth.

Jill said she was “incredibly blessed” her family was able to holiday together with Natalie’s over the years.

She said Ms Frahm had been her “lifeline” when her own “life was falling apart”, and her home was one where you were always welcome to pour yourself a drink “whether invited or not”.

But she said she was still confused how Natalie, who “would give anything a go”, could be scared of a jetski after witnessing her on a motorbike and loving being towed in a biscuit at Kinchant Dam.

Tiffany Mulligan brought brilliant blue orchids and lit a gin-themed candle, the liquor of her best friend’s drink of choice. Picture: Heidi Petith

While the service was held in Mackay, Ms Frahm was mourned nationwide, including in Mount Isa where she lived with her parents, Virginia and Carl, before moving to Mackay.

Robin said it was there she met her partner Richie and studied to become a qualified beauty therapist.

Growing up in Gympie, Natalie was school captain at Chatsworth State School before attending James Nash State High.

High school friend Ashleigh Kahler said Natalie introduced herself after realising “I knew no others in our grade”.

The devastated childhood and best friends of Mackay shooting victim Natalie Jane Frahm have paid tribute and expressed their shock and grief at the sudden loss of their ‘naturally beautiful’ friend. Pictured is Nat and lifelong friend Sally Barnden.

“I was so shy, and she was just naturally beautiful, confident and happy – an absolute ray of sunshine whose personality shone through,” Ashleigh said.

“My favourite memories with her are typical teenage girl things – pizza party and movie sleepovers, staying up till all hours of the night.“

Ms Frahm’s alleged murder has left family, friends and neighbours “distraught” and “unable to sleep”, with many voicing their need for answers, including at the Mackay boxing gym where Natalie was well-loved and respected.

Mang-gon Thai Boxing gym member Lulu Mollis said it was her friendship with Ms Frahm that kept her coming back.

“It’s unfathomable,” Lulu said of the loss.

“I was at home at the time and everything stopped for me.”

A GoFundMe set up to support Ms Frahm’s children has so far raised $34,300 from 372 donations.

Originally published as Mackay mum Natalie Frahm to be honoured by family, friends with memorial service