Memorial service celebrating the extraordinary life of Sarah Sexton

Sarah Sexton lived 14,352 extraordinary days but it was not nearly long enough, her loved ones say. More than 500 people farewelled the health advocate at a packed service.

Cairns Funeral Directors' chapel at Manoora was overflowing with people attending the funeral service of cystic fibrosis campaigner, women's health advocate and animal lover Sarah Sexton, who passed away suddenly aged 39 on June 18. Family friend Tara Beal delivered Sarah' eulogy at the service. Picture: Brendan Radke

Sarah Sexton lived 14,352 extraordinary days but it was not nearly long enough, her loved ones say.

Ms Sexton, 39, was farewelled by more than 500 mourners at the Cairns Funeral Directors Chapel in Manoora on Thursday after she suddenly died from a suspected blood clot at her Earlville home on June 18.

Those close to her described her as a passionate health advocate and fiercely loyal friend and stepmum who was also fanatical about fashion, music and shopping.

Cairns Funeral Directors' chapel at Manoora was overflowing with people attending the funeral service of cystic fibrosis campaigner, women's health advocate and animal lover Sarah Sexton, who passed away suddenly aged 39 on June 18. Picture: Brendan Radke

The service was guided by officiant Lee Sedgwick and began with Fleetwood Mac’s “Sara” — a song chosen by Sarah’s devoted mother, Linda, because it was “gentle and soulful” — just like her daughter.

Extra chairs were outside as others watched the livestream.

“There are some people you don’t just meet, you feel them, and Sarah is absolutely one of those people,” Ms Sedgwick said.

Cairns Funeral Directors' chapel at Manoora was overflowing with people attending the funeral service of cystic fibrosis campaigner, women's health advocate and animal lover Sarah Sexton, who passed away suddenly aged 39 on June 18. Family friend Tara Beal delivered Sarah' eulogy at the service. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Sexton’s best friend Tara Beal delivered the moving eulogy, describing Ms Sexton as “fierce and funny, strong and soft, determined and deeply kind”.

As a child, Ms Beal said her friend was bright and colourful. Her bedroom had a purple inflatable chair, beaded curtains, and pink and purple painted walls.

“It was pure 90s magic and 100 per cent Sarah,” she said.

Sarah Sexton died suddenly on Wednesday June 18 at her home in Cairns for a suspected blood clot. Picture: Supplied.

Blake Sexton and Sarah Sexton. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Beal said Ms Sexton’s bond with her grandfather Bob was “something truly special” as he always reminded her “she was the sunshine in his life”.

Ms Beal said despite battling cystic fibrosis from childhood, Ms Sexton tried everything from roller hockey to dancing.

After her life-changing lung transplant in 2013, Ms Sexton’s love story with Blake Sexton flourished.

Ms Beal said she also embraced her role as step-mum to Jackson Sexton.

Cairns Funeral Directors' chapel at Manoora was overflowing with people attending the funeral service of cystic fibrosis campaigner, women's health advocate and animal lover Sarah Sexton, who passed away suddenly aged 39 on June 18. Family friend Tara Beal delivered Sarah' eulogy at the service. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Sarah had an incredible eye for fashion,” Ms Beal said.

Ms Sexton also became a proud advocate for organ donation, celebrating her “lungaversary” every September on her Facebook page “Breathing Borrowed Air”.

Cairns Funeral Directors' chapel at Manoora was overflowing with people attending the funeral service of cystic fibrosis campaigner, women's health advocate and animal lover Sarah Sexton, who passed away suddenly aged 39 on June 18. Picture: Brendan Radke

Following the service, attendees gathered at Cairns Golf Club to celebrate her life.

Her family invited anyone wishing to honour Ms Sexton’s memory to support North Queensland Animal Rescue, Cairns Animal Rescue, Bush Dogs and Pups, Rags to Riches, and Supporters of 65 Roses.

Originally published as Memorial service celebrating the extraordinary life of Sarah Sexton