A cheerful and friendly young woman who loved music and competitive sports has died suddenly, exactly one year after her father lost his terrible battle with cancer.
Stephanie McFarlane, 28, died on July 11 on the Gold Coast. Her mother Sandra announced the heartbreaking news on social media.
“I lost my beautiful girl on Thursday. My heart is broken. Fly free with the angels until we meet again,” Ms McFarlane wrote on Instagram two days later.
She described her daughter as a kind person, who always put others before herself.
“She stayed true to her heart and that’s why people loved her,” the heartbroken mother continued.
Steph died exactly one year after her father’s death.
“It was up until the day of (her father’s death) – that’s all I’ll say about it (Steph’s death),” her mother told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
Her daughter wrote at the time of her father’s death: ‘I’m glad you’re finally at peace, you fought so hard and made me appreciate life so much more now. I’ve never met anyone so positive who went through something so horrible.’
Stephanie McFarlane, 28, (pictured) passed away on July 11, with her mother Sandra revealing the heartbreaking news on social media
Friends and loved ones expressed their condolences online.
“I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending you my love,” one person wrote.
Another added: ‘I’m so sorry to hear this. That’s so sad and unbelievable.’
Mrs McFarlane urged people not to speculate about the manner of her daughter’s death.
“Stop gossiping. She’s gone and we can’t bring her back. We can’t blame ourselves,” she told the newspaper.
Steph has lived on the Gold Coast for the past ten years and worked at the Chevron Island Tavern, a popular pub in Surfers Paradise.
She also worked at the Crown Plaza Hotel and Skypoint in the Q1 building.
Last week the inn hosted an event for staff and guests to celebrate Steph’s life and share their fond memories.
Regular customer Elizabeth Kriesch remembers Steph as someone who was always cheerful and welcoming.
A local supermarket worker added: ‘I will always remember her smile and cheerfulness when she came into the store.’
In honor of Steph, a friend painted a mural of her above Arlo’s Pizzeria on Chevron Island.
Chevron Island Tavern regulars remembered Steph (pictured) fondly, saying she was always welcoming
Mrs McFarlane has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support from Steph’s friends and locals on the Gold Coast.
She said her daughter left home when she was 19.
Originally from Victoria, Steph played a variety of sports growing up in Geelong, including cricket, rugby and AFL, and even played interstate cricket.
She also held a black belt in karate and was a talented musician.
“She could listen to a song and pick it up straight away,” Ms McFarlane said.
A memorial service will be held in Geelong on August 11 to honour Steph’s life.
For confidential 24-hour support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Stephanie (left in photo) passed away on the first anniversary of her father’s death (right in photo), who lost his battle with cancer.