Cassie Townsend’s life celebrated in heartfelt Sunshine Coast funeral

Loved ones converged on the Sunshine Coast to celebrate the life of a mother-of-two who had a love for dancing, singing and the people around her, after her unexpected death.

Tears were shed as friends and family bid a loving, optimistic Sunshine Coast mother farewell at her funeral weeks after her sudden death.

Heartfelt tributes were shared at Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Townsend’s funeral on January 28 after she died unexpectedly at her Beaconsfield home earlier this month.

She was found at her home by family members in the afternoon on January 8, sparking police to declare the property a crime scene while the cause of death was investigated.

The funeral director opened the funeral on Tuesday, speaking of the “beautiful memories” Cassie left with her friends and family.

“Cassie’s certainly going to dancing in the sky like she did on Earth,” he said.

The funeral director read a eulogy of Cassie’s life, sharing how she grew into a “lively and spirited child” alongside her younger brother before her youngest sibling Ella came to the world when Cassie was 16.

He spoke of her ability to “light up any room” and her time at Suncoast Christian College and Nambour State College, before she began to pursue nursing as a career.

Cassie later met her partner Chris and eventually moved to Mackay, bought a home and had two children.

Her parents took to the podium first to share memories of their daughter.

Cassie was tragically found dead in her Beaconsfield home on January 8, 2025. Picture: Contributed

Cassie’s father said his daughter always found a way to make someone’s day a little brighter, even when “their sun had faded”.

His voice shook as he spoke of the hole left in their hearts, knowing Cassie would be “dancing and laughing the ears off angels”.

“Cassie my darling, you will always be with us in our hearts, in our memories,” he said.

“Keep shining, keep laughing.

“We’ll miss you forever, and love you always.”

Cassie Townsend with her parents and siblings, in a photo shown at her funeral.

Cassie’s mother shared many memories of her daughter, from when she started her own business selling tadpoles as a young girl to a cheery anecdote about Cassie’s first pregnancy.

“Her love for people was truly unmatched,” she said.

“She was so optimistic about the future and excited for the years ahead.”

Cassie’s siblings were next at the podium to speak fondly of their older sister.

Her younger sister told onlookers how Cassie would spend time with her, care for her and take her on outings while always making sure she had a great time.

Her brother recalled his “fun older sister” who loved to laugh, dance and sing, and eagerly waited to catch her favourite songs on the radio with her first tape recorder.

He said it was never in Cassie’s nature to hold a grudge.

Cassie Townsend, in a photo shown at her funeral.

Cassie’s sister concluded their goodbyes, saying they would miss Cassie’s smile.

“You will forever be our big sister,” she said.

“We’ll always save a seat for you at the table.”

The pair of siblings then made way for Cassie’s best friend, who celebrated her 37 years of friendship since the time they were born.

She said Cassie treasured and loved everyone immensely and took no one for granted.

She looked back on their time together and their love for dancing and pop music, with the pair always singing songs from Cassie’s “legendary folder” of So Fresh CDs.

Her final memory of dancing with Cassie was in April last year, when Cassie hit the dancefloor as her best friend’s bridesmaid.

“I will love you forever, and dance in memory of you,” she said.

“We will always be best friends forever.”

Cassie Townsend and her siblings, in a photo shown at her funeral.

Many of Cassie’s cousins and her aunt also shared their piece, reminiscing of their time with Cassie and her “cheerful smile”, laughter, legacy and admirable ability to remember birthdays of the whole extended family.

The final, heartfelt tribute was given by Cassie’s partner, who described her as the calm to his storm.

He told the crowd he had first been looking for another friend but even when he moved 600km away, Cassie could not be deterred.

He said Cassie always saw the world in her “own unique, endearing way” and was incredible selfless, even if it meant putting her own struggles aside.

Cassie Townsend's funeral concluded with her loved ones carrying her coffin outside for final goodbyes.

He spoke with emotion as he described Cassie as someone who would “do anything just to see a smile on the face of a person she loved”.

“To my love, rest easy now, knowing that I will carry on raising our two beautiful children with your guidance from above,” he said.

“Fly on my angel, we’ll meet again someday.

“Until then, I’ll carry your love with me every step of the way.”

One of Cassie’s close friends has started a GoFundMe to help her family survive this devastating time.

Originally published as Cassie Townsend’s life celebrated in heartfelt Sunshine Coast funeral