‘Forever in our hearts’: Loved ones farewell Holly Morton-Bowles, who died during dream holiday

Under a cloudless Melbourne sky, groups of young people wiped tears from their eyes and held each other close, preparing to farewell their beloved friend, much too soon.

Many mourners chose to honour the life of Holly Morton-Bowles, 19, by wearing something pink. Others had ribbons tied into neat bows in their hair, pastel dresses or ties.

Mourners gathered to farewell Holly Morton-Bowles, 19, at Beaumaris Secondary College on Monday.Credit: AAPIMAGE

Those from the Beaumaris Football Club – where Holly played as a junior – wore blue and yellow ribbons. More were tied to the fence surrounding Beaumaris Secondary College, where the service was held on Monday.

Not long out of high school there, Holly embarked on an adventure of a lifetime with her best friend, Bianca Jones. They were travelling in Laos during a backpacking trip through South-East Asia, and, like many, went out with their newfound friends at a hostel – but the drinks were poisonous.

Instead of celebrating their return and sharing stories about their travels with friends and family, thousands gathered at the school to say goodbye.

The funeral booklet for Holly Morton-Bowles.

On the pink funeral booklet, the dark-haired Holly is seen cuddling a cat and grinning widely, accompanied by the lyrics of Sunburnt by Teenage Dads.

“And I got through the summer days without you/And I will carry on just fine/And I got through the winter’s haze without you/Carry on with my life,” it read.

Guests leave the funeral service on Monday.Credit: AAPIMAGE

Flags fluttered at half-mast as acting principal Peter Bartlett – standing opposite the school hall where loved ones gathered – delivered a statement on behalf of Holly’s family.

Holly Morton-Bowles died after drinking suspected methanol-laced spirits while on holiday in Laos.

The Morton-Bowles thanked the people of Australia and Canada – where their families are from – for their support and compassion.

“Your kindness has been a source of strength and comfort for our family,” Holly’s parents, Shaun and Sam, and brother James said in the statement.

“Holly was loved and adored by so many people, and today is a reflection on her life. However, she will remain forever in our hearts.”

Those who want to help were asked to contribute to a fundraising campaign in the names of Holly and Bianca, designed to raise global awareness of the dangers of alcohol substitution.

The family also asked people to respect their privacy during the “most difficult time of [our] lives”.

When the service ended, the street was partially closed off as mourners silently gathered along the road, forming a guard of honour.

Holly’s closest friends watched on, many sobbing and dabbing their tears, as the casket bearing the Canadian and Australian flags and covered in flowers was carefully placed in the hearse.

They all watched as the procession inched its way across the street.

Chappell Roan’s pop anthem, Red Wine Supernova, played out from the hall, to celebrate the teen’s life, while ABBA, Billie Eilish, Spacey Jane and Mason and Princes Superstar rang out during the photo reflection.

Bianca Jones’ funeral was held last week at Mentone Girls Grammar, where more than 1000 people came together to bid farewell.

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