Hundreds of mourners,many wearing white ribbons,gathered at a funeral home in Ballarat North to farewell 23-year-old Hannah McGuire,who was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend earlier this month.
McGuire’s mother,Debbie McGuire,spoke at the funeral thanking those in attendance and remembered her “amazing” daughter.
“We come together with great sadness,but also with thanks for the time we had with her. Today we celebrate Hannah’s life and all the things that made her the amazing daughter that she was,” she told those inside the chapel.
“Hannah touched our lives in profound ways and her memory will forever remain etched in our soul. Hannah,we miss the way your presence made everything feel right.”
Hannah McGuire’s ex-boyfriend has been charged with murder. McGuire was one of a number of women who have died under allegedly violent circumstances across Australia this year,which have rocked the nation,sparked protests and prompted calls for a royal commission into violence against women.
Nicole van Berkel,a lifelong friend of McGuire’s parents,said she was an “exceptional” young woman who inspired the lives of those around her with her determination to succeed in her education and sports.
McGuire’s body was found in a burnt-out car in bushland in Scarsdale,about 25 kilometres south-west of Ballarat,earlier this month.