Friends of Olyvia Cowley gather in her honour following her Bali death

Friends have gathered to remember a young Australian woman who was tragically killed in Bali last month.

Grieving friends of Olyvia Cowley have gathered to honour her memory after the 24-year-old died in Bali last month.

The group shared a drink and cheered to the 24-year-old’s memory in a touching moment which was later uploaded to social media.

“An unfortunate yet beautiful send off for our darling girl. So dearly loved and missed,” friend Tehina Hosking wrote on Instagram.

A man shouted “this is Lyv’s” before the packed room full of people cheered and downed their drinks.

Earlier in the day the group gathered at Hillsong Church at Highland Park to farewell “one of the funniest and sweetest girls to ever walk the earth”.

Friends of Olyvia Cowley, a 24-year-old woman who died unexpectedly in Bali, seen at the wake of her funeral. Picture: Instagram

Friends gathered to pay tribute. Picture: Instagram

Olyvia died “unexpectedly” on the Indonesian holiday island on August 19 after quitting her job and moving overseas earlier this year.

She was farewelled on Saturday with friends attending in bright coloured clothes carrying sunflowers - the same day she was supposed to return from Bali and move into a new home.

A white coffin topped with sunflowers was carried inside by her family, and carried back out at the end of the two-hour service as five men performed a Haka.

At the request of the family, the mourners wore a palette of bold, bright colours, to celebrate their “Livy’s” warm and passionate zest for life.

Olyvia’s mother, Christina Blakelock said “no mother should never have to feel this pain”.

Friends farewelling Ms Cowley at her funeral. NCA NewsWire/ Richard Gosling

Friends and family wore bright coloured clothing to farewell her. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Richard Gosling

“The entire time I was in Bali I kept asking is there anything I can do? How do I get through it? But the one bit of hope I had is that it felt like Olyvia was there with us,” she said through tears.

“When I went in to pack up her room she was right there and there was such a peace. When I walked into the morgue I saw a bright yellow light. And I know that’s your colour Livy.”

Olyvia’s sister, Hope, was squeezed tightly by her brothers as she delivered a heartfelt tribute.

“Livy had an impact on so many of you. On May 11, 1998, not only did I gain a sister, but a best friend,” she said.

“She was so witty and always getting us into trouble or getting us out of it.”

Ms Cowley (left) had quit her job and moved to Bali earlier this year. Picture: Facebook

In an especially devastating moment, Hope was seen after the service pressing her hand against the window of the hearse, as her partner held on to her.

Hope had posted online before the service - “Today’s all for you my girl”.

“I hope I make you proud sissy.”

Attendees dressed in bright colours as requested by the family to celebrate Ms Cowley’s life.

Many put on a brave face or smiled at memories of Ms Cowley as they arrived at the ceremony.

Friends and family comforted each other outside the church. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Richard Gosling

But when the white-painted coffin arrived, several mourners appeared taken aback by the sight of it and struggled to hold themselves together.

Social media posts prior to her death showed Ms Cowley enjoying a poolside lifestyle on the Indonesian island. The reasons behind her death have not been publicly released.

At the end of Saturday’s service, attendees spilled out onto the street, with Ms Cowley’s friends and family seen openly weeping over their loss.

In a nod to the young woman’s New Zealand heritage, a Haka was performed as pallbearers carried Ms Cowley’s coffin outside.

Olyvia Cowley. Picture: Facebook

The huge group of mourners were seen embracing outside the church following the service, before lining up as they bid Ms Cowley a final goodbye.

It was estimated some 250 people gathered to pay their respects.

Earlier in the week, friends reached out with messages of support on social media, as one girl paid tribute by posting a video montage of special moments with Ms Cowley.

“Our fearless and unapologetically real Lyvvy,” friend Tehina Hosking wrote on Instagram.

“You are beautiful beyond measure. We love and miss you immensely.”

“Thank you for lighting my world. Until we meet again my love, visit us in our dreams and light the skies baby girl.”

A GoFundMe has already raised close to $15,000 to help Ms Cowley’s family with expenses.

Originally published as Friends of Olyvia Cowley gather in her honour following her Bali death