A teenage boy who watched in horror as his mother was hit by a truck during a driving lesson broke down at her funeral and said: ‘I will love you until the day I croak’.
Tristan Picone’s mother, Leonia, was struck and killed by a semi-trailer in Wetherill Park, in Sydney’s west, about 6.30am on August 30.
Mrs Picone had just gotten out of her Ford Mondeo to confront the truck driver after he rear-ended her car while her 17-year-old son was driving on his L-plates.
She stood in front of the truck and started waving at the driver, but it is believed she was in his blind spot.
The truck accelerated and ran her over as her son watched in horror. The driver has not drawn up a report for the incident.
About 200 family and friends gathered in the chapel at Liverpool Cemetery on Wednesday morning to pay tribute – remembering the loving mother for her great personality, ability to make friends and excellent cooking skills.
Tristan Picone was one of the pallbearers (photo center) at his mother’s funeral on Wednesday
This image shows the blind spot areas for a driver of a Kenworth Cabover, where the engine sits under the cab. Leonia Picone stands in front of the truck
Her best friend Carolyn Clark, who led the service, made the only mention of the tragic nature of Ms. Picone’s death.
Leonia Picone (photo) was struck and killed by a semi-trailer on August 30
“We come together to honor the life of Leonia, whose tragic passing has devastated and shocked us all,” Ms Clark said.
“She was a loving daughter to Margaret and Tony, a beloved sister to Geoffrey and Ronelle, and a loving mother to Tristan.”
Tristan did not speak to the mourners, but stood at the lectern as a cousin read a tribute on his behalf.
“My mother, you were always so dedicated,” he said. ‘In life you only have one mother and mine was the true definition of loyalty and love.
‘How lucky I was to be with you for 17 years.
“I’ll miss you until the day I croak, until I see you again.”
At the last line, Tristan burst into tears and was comforted by his aunt, Ronelle Cameron.
Leonia Picone’s sister Ronelle Cameron is seen on the left of the photo, next to her husband Kevin. Leonia’s son Tristan is pictured on the right
Photos of Tristan and his mother were played in a slideshow in the chapel (pictured)
Leonia Picone was remembered for her great personality and excellent cuisine
Mrs. Cameron remembered her older sister as her best friend who showed unconditional love.
“Your strength and passion got me through my life, and you always made me feel special because you were my big sister,” she said.
“You had a special magical touch that made everyone feel special and important.”
She then urged the audience to make the most of their lives because “tomorrow is not promised to anyone.”
Ms Picone had a series of security jobs but left them all a few years ago to take up full-time care for her elderly parents and her son when he left school and transitioned into the workforce.
A close family friend, Trevor, recalled visiting Ms Picone’s parents shortly after she died and said the mother’s phone was still active.
Trevor said: ‘I asked what the buzz was and (her dad) Tony said ‘that’s just Leonia’s reminder to make my cup of tea.’
In the photo: the hearse with Leonia Picone’s coffin after the funeral service on Wednesday
About 200 friends and relatives of Leonia Picone gathered at Liverpool Cemetery on Wednesday (coffin pictured)
It was also revealed that Mrs. Picone had once won a modeling competition and briefly modeled clothes that were featured in newspaper advertisements.
She also studied in Canada for six months during high school and found her long-lost brother Geoffrey, who was put up for adoption at a young age.
A few years later, Geoffrey tragically died of esophageal cancer.
At the end of the service, Tristan and some of his male relatives carried the coffin to the hearse before the funeral.
Security footage released the day after Ms Picone’s death showed the truck crashing into the back of Ms Picone’s sedan just before the intersection at Horsley Drive.
A witness said her body was dragged along the road under the semi-trailer.
The truck driver, 51, was taken to hospital for mandatory tests and questioned by police.
He was released without charge pending further investigation.
Ms Picone’s family were furious when he was released. Daily Mail Australia was invited to attend the service.
Friends and family went to the scene on Wednesday to pay tribute to the single mother after the tragedy (crash scene pictured)