THE spirit of a Newcastle woman tragically killed in Melbourne last year lives on in a Lake Macquarie coffee company.
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Barista Josie Edden died on her way to work at a Melbourne cafe in February 2015 after she tripped and fell into the path of an oncoming garbage truck.
Passers-by at the scene performed CPR following the accident, but she could not be revived.
But a local coffee company named and established in Ms Edden’s honour is bringing some comfort to those who loved her, particularly as it expands into cafes throughout the region.
Christopher Edden – her cousin – is the founder of Josie Coffee Roasters in Gateshead.
He said coffee had been a big part of Ms Edden’s life.
“She lived and breathed it,” Mr Edden said.
“She was a Newcastle local who started out at Gloria Jeans in town when she was a teenager, and found her way to Melbourne and got right into the specialty coffee industry.
“She was involved in a big coffee company in Melbourne. Then at the start of last year she was killed in a traffic accident.”
Her death had been one of those “absolute tragedies” that had blindsided her family and friends, he said.
Mr Edden said the family-run business, which had begun as a hobby, was a tribute to his cousin.
Its branding was all based on her look.
“It’s a legacy for her,” Mr Edden said.
“Josie’s style was bright red lipstick, and she had the blonde bob cut.
“She had a passion for coffee and we try to keep that going through Josie Coffee.”
He hoped the business would allow her memory to live on forever.
Josie Coffee is available at Pegs Cafe at Whitebridge, as well as One Picket Fence in Honeysuckle, and The Blind Monk in Hamilton.
“We’ve picked up a couple of other ones interstate too,” Mr Edden said.
The coffee beans were also available via their online store.
Melanie Chapman, the owner of Pegs Cafe, said she had grown up with Mr Edden, and was touched by Josie’s story.
“Andy, our barista, was really good friends with her in Melbourne and was devastated when she died,” Ms Chapman said.
“The coffee is amazing, and when I heard the story behind it I just wanted to support it.”
