THE love Marika Mae Ninness had for her family was remembered on Thursday as more than 350 people gathered at St John’s Anglican Church in Raymond Terrace to farewell the 35-year-old.
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Her sister Charnie Braz said Ms Ninness would have been overwhelmed with the large turn-out and she would always be missed, especially by her three children aged 15, 13 and three. Ms Braz said her sister loved life and brightened the lives of everyone around her with her fun-loving ways.
"She preferred the rollercoaster over the ferris wheel," she said.
"She will be forever free, brave and beautiful.’’
Ms Ninness died on December 21, two weeks after she was knocked to the ground in the car park of Stockland Greenhills.
She clung to life for three days after doctors turned off her life support and her family and friends stayed by her side until her last breath.
Ms Braz said Ms Ninness’ children were her purpose in life.
She remembered her sister’s success as a child at pony club, and the time she won so many ribbons that she needed a horse with a longer neck.
‘‘She was a confident horsewoman,’’ Ms Braz said.
Ms Ninness married Dave Blackie four years ago, who she met in high school.
A slideshow of photos from their wedding and other occasions was played during the service.
Ms Braz said her sister had struggled with the death of their mother three years ago and she hoped they would be together in heaven looking down on the children, their family and friends.
White doves had been painted on her coffin along with a message of love, and a pink bouquet of flowers had been placed on her coffin.
She is survived by her children, her sister and her father Bob.