Monique Boxsell

Conondale mum-of-three Monique Boxsell, 30, was killed in a car crash on her way to the local shops last September.  

For the three young boys she left behind, her elderly mother and father and the rest of her tight-knit family who all live on the one property, life has changed irrevocably.  

Ms Boxsell's mother Kathleen Cork is looking after her daughter's two eldest boys, 13-year-olds Dean and Joel, while the youngest William, 8, is living with his father.  

Niece Rakaya Hordern, 17, said her aunt's absence "was like the sky - spread over everything. "  

She said the young boys have their "up and down days", but the school holidays had provided them with some fun times at the family property as they could all be together.  

"We all went to the pool a couple of times last week, and that was pretty good, but having the youngest separated from his older brothers is hard," she said.  

Ms Hordern remembered Ms Boxsell as an amazing, sweet and trustworthy person.  

"Her love was so special, it helped you get through the day," she explained.  

The teenager has penned a heartfelt tribute to her much-loved aunt.  

With her permission we publish it here.  

Today I would like to make a tribute to the life and legacy of Monique Estelle Boxsell.  

Monique is someone I consider very special And someone who played such a huge role in uncountable amounts of lives. A person who wouldn't think twice to help anyone out or to check up on someone.  

Monique was a gorgeous, carefree and young, thriving mother of three, who will never be replaced. She was a loving daughter who made the efforts to do whatever she could to help her two sick and elderly parents out. She is so greatly missed by her mother and father every single day. My grandmother lost her first born, Mandy-lee Cork, at 18 months of age and her last born, Monique Boxsell at 30-years-old. I can feel the aching pain in my grandma's heart for her two little girls.

Not only was Monique a mother and daughter, she was the crazy amazing little sister who would do anything for you. She was also an awesome, funny and helpful sister-in-law to my mum Claire Hordern and a great, adventurous Aunty to many of us.  

If I had to describe Monique in eight words it would be: Selfless, kind-hearted, courageous, irreplaceable, cheerful, funny, understanding and oh so beautiful.  

Her absence is like the sky - spread over everything. To lose the ones we love and need the most, not only leaves your heart so broken. It leaves an unmendable hole in so many lives. Monique was an amazing, easy to talk to, trustworthy, thoughtful and sweet person. She tended not to judge other people harshly or unfairly.  

As one person loved by Monique, I felt her love was like liquid gold. It was unlike any other form of love or care - it was just pure, genuine and different. Her love was so special and helped you get through day-to-day. She would go out of her way to help out others in anyway she could and never expect anything in return.

One thing I will never forget about Monique is how she always reminded you of how much she loved you and how she would be here for you through it all no matter what. To find that in a person is unique and unforgettable. Monique had an exceptional amount of love, time and care for her three amazing brothers Brock Hordern, William Boxsell and James Ricky Cork.  

She devoted her life to her three beautiful, determined boys, thirteen-year-old Joel and Dean and eight-year-old William. She made her best efforts to be a fun and loving mother who made their lives fulfilled.

She did so much for her parents Kathleen Cork and Bill Boxsell and they will be forever honoured and grateful to have such a generous daughter.  

Monique, we will always remember you everyday and you are so widely and terribly missed by so many people. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me, our family and all the people that had the honour to be part of your life.

We love you, our angel. You're always going to be so dearly missed and held so closely to each and everyone of our hearts. Your selfless acts will never go unseen or unappreciated. Till the next journey my love.

Love forever and always, your darling niece, Kaya xxx