TRACEY-LEE Kemp was always that loud voice singing along to country music.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She was the die-hard Hawks supporter and her laughter was so contagious, it didn’t take long for those around her to join the happiness.
These were the fondest memories of family and friends, who farewelled her in Wodonga on Friday.
The 45-year-old grandmother was killed suddenly in a hit-and-run at Huntly, about 3am August 14.
She had been walking home from a 21st birthday, along Midland Highway, when she was struck by a car.
A brown and gold coffin, topped with yellow roses, sat at the front of the room.
Seats quickly filled, speckled with mourners dressed in Hawthorn colours.
Tracey's uncle Peter Kemp fought back tears as he said goodbye.
“In the prime of your life, you were taken too soon Trace - this will never truly be understood,” he said.
“We will always love you, Trace, and forever miss you.
“May you now rest peacefully in your dad's loving arms and forever keep singing the Hawks song - go Hawks.”
Tracey was born in Wodonga on March 17, 1971 and attended St Augustine’s Primary and Wodonga High School. She had a son, Garry, 26, who was named after her father who passed away in 1989.
“Tragedy struck the family when Tracey's father Garry had been killed loading his truck in Brisbane,” Mr Kemp said.
“As kids, if there was ever anything happening with the truck, they always wanted to be there to give a hand.
“Many hours were spent in the driveway washing and polishing the truck to perfection.”
Only a year ago, Tracey's first grandchild, Lexi, entered the world.
She moved to Bendigo two years ago and “quickly made many new friends”.
Friends reminisced about horrible haircuts and sneaking out as teens.
Lisa Smith, a friend of 33 years, said there was never a “glum” moment.
“All she had to do was laugh and we'd soon be laughing right along with her,” she said.
“We supported each other through everything.
“She was one unique, fun-loving, strong woman, who we were all blessed to have in our lives.
“Life will simply no longer be the same.”