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HUNDREDS of mourners have packed St John’s Uniting Church in Essendon to farewell suspected murder victim Karen Ristevski.
Family and friends of the 47-year-old laid flowers at the entrance of the church in memory of the mother of one before heading inside for the service.
Her husband, Borce, and daughter, Sarah, emerged from the church to say their final, painful goodbye.
Karen Ristevski’s coffin is carried from the Essendon church. Her brother, Stephen Williams (front left) and husband, Borce Ristevski (front right), were among the six pallbearers. Picture: AAPSarah Ristevski (centre) is comforted as the coffin is carried to the waiting hearse. Picture: Nicole GarmstonThe coffin is placed in the hearse. Picture: The AustralianKaren Ristevski's brother, Stephen Williams. Picture: Aaron Francis/The AustralianKaren's brother and husband help guide the coffin down the church’s steps. Picture: Nicole GarmstonSarah Ristevski left the church first, carrying a photograph of her mum. Picture: Nicole GarmstonBorce Ristevski and his daughter, Sarah, arm in arm after the service. Picture: Nicole GarmstonBorce Ristevski is comforted as he leaves the service. Picture: AAPBorce Ristevski was a pallbearer, helping carry his wife’s coffin from the church. Picture: AAPMr Ristevski after leaving the church as his wife’s coffin is placed in the hearse for a private burial ceremony. Picture: AAPKaren Ristevski’s casket leaves St John’s Uniting Church. Picture: Nicole GarmstonMourners leave the service. Picture: AAPSome of the large turnout. Picture: AAPMourners comfort each other. Picture: AAP
Sarah led the procession holding a framed photo of her mother.
It’s the first time the 21-year-old has been seen since the discovery of her mother’s body.
Mr Ristevski and Mrs Ristevski’s brother, Stephen Williams, were among the pall-bearers.
Family members and friends embraced Mr Ristevski as he broke down in their arms.
Mr Ristevski, his daughter and Mr Williams left the service in a silver Chrysler where they will say their final goodbyes to Mrs Ristevski at a private burial.
Mrs Ristevski’s step-son, Anthony Rickard, revealed he was too emotional to attend the funeral service, instead posting a message to her on social media.
“Don’t want to go in, can’t explain it,” Mr Rickard wrote on Facebook.
“I apologise Karen this is my way I would say goodbye but I know one thing, you’ll be a part of me for the rest of my life.
“RIP, the good in you far outweighs the bad. I remember and will never forget ya.”
Before the service priest Mark Dunn approached media opposite the church thanking them for “keeping a respectful distance” to allow the family to grieve today.
He told the Herald Sun he knew the family well.
Mrs Ristevski’s brother was embraced by mourners who gave him their condolences as he arrived.
Karen Ristevski’s casket is wheeled into the church. Picture: AAPMourners arrive for the funeral. Picture: AAPThere were emotional scenes outside St John’s. Picture: AAP
Mourners arrive for the morning service. Picture: Nicole GarmstonA steady stream of people filed into the church at the corner of Mt Alexander Rd and Buckley St. Picture: Nicole Garmston
Today’s funeral comes two weeks after the tragic news Karen’s body had been found in Macedon Regional Park. Picture: AAP
Borce Ristevski’s parents, Kosdadin and Nevana, arrive with flowers. Picture: Nicole GarmstonA mourner holds the order of service with a photo of Karen. Picture: Nicole Garmston
Mourners greet each other before walking into the church. Picture: AAPMore flowers arrive. Picture: AAPPolice are still appealing for information about Karen’s disappearance. Picture: AAPMourners arrive at the Essendon church. Picture: Nicole GarmstonLeaving a message at the church’s entrance. Picture: Nicole GarmstonThe hearse arrives at St John’s. Picture: Nicole GarmstonThe casket is wheeled into the church. Picture: Nicole Garmston
St John’s in Essendon. Picture: Nicole GarmstonFlowers being delivered to the church early this morning. Picture: Nicole Garmston
Karen Ristevski’s body was found in Macedon Regional Park bushland. Picture: Nicole Garmston
Mrs Ristevski’s body was found in bushland at Macedon Regional Park on February 20 by a walker after months of mystery following her disappearance on June 29 last year.
Her husband was the last to see her alive.
She had left her Oakley Drive, Avondale Heights home about 10am following a disagreement with him over money.
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