The mother of a 12-year-old girl who took her own life after alleged school bullying has delivered a heartbreaking tribute at her daughter’s funeral.
As previously reported, Charlotte’s family revealed on 2GB host Ben Fordham’s show that the schoolgirl tragically died on September 9.
The late student, who studied at Santa Sabina College in Sydney, Australia, left a note for her family that stated that life was “too difficult” for her to continue after the torment she experienced at school.
She also wrote a selfless final request to her parents, which read: “Mama, please share my story to raise awareness,” and encouraged them to “tell the school” about her suffering.
Grieving family and friends gathered on Friday (September 26) to remember Charlotte at an emotional funeral service at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. The little girl was laid to rest in a coffin embellished with butterflies and flowers.
Her mom, Kelly, read a heartwrenching eulogy, telling loved ones that she knew her daughter was her “soulmate” within a “moment of being her mother,” as cited by 7NEWS.
“She was the cutest, kindest, and smartest baby I had ever known,” Kelly said. “My pride and joy and my best friend,” she continued, adding that she will miss her daughter “every day that ends in ‘Y’”, and will “never be OK without (her)”.
She also shared that she would miss her daughter’s hugs, kisses, laughs, and her “big beautiful smiles,” adding: “I will miss our chats and making plans…I will miss you making videos of us and your eye rolls when I ask you to bring down your clothes to wash.”
The grief-stricken mom said she will “always” love her baby girl. “You are my world, my life, my Queen B diva, my beauty queen, the star on top of the Christmas tree… You always were and you always will be.”
Kelly added that the family will live the life Charlotte would want for them, before concluding: “From your first breath to my last, I will always love you. This isn’t goodbye, it just means we get to love you as you are forever.”
The 12-year-old’s stepfather Matthew also spoke at the funeral and expressed gratitude to her for being in his life.
“Thank you for being you, thank you for being so thoughtful, thank you for being so kind, thank you for being so brave,” he said. “Thank you for giving me the greatest honor to be your dad… I miss you today and I’ll miss you every tomorrow.”
Through tears, the heartbroken mother of Charlotte O’Brien has told grief-stricken mourners how her 12-year-old was a wise and beautiful soulmate, an angel returned home too soon. Today she was farewelled in a coffin adorned with butterflies & flowers. Lifeline – 13 11 14. #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/XsTdZrQJDC
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) September 27, 2024
Charlotte’s parents have claimed that they raised bullying concerns several times with Santa Sabina College and although the school investigated, no further action was taken.
“That’s it. Case closed. Move on. Well, my beautiful daughter’s life won’t move on and I’ll never get to say goodbye,” Kelly said. “How many more children need to lose their lives before they get it?”
Paulina Skerman, the principal of the school, defended the school’s anti-bullying policy and said the claims are “inconsistent” with their records.
The schoolgirl’s father responded that he was “disappointed” with the “unnecessary” response, and alleged that he had no direct communication from school officials.
“Some of the responses that have gone into the media, I think the first response was around that there’s inconsistencies in their records and I thought that comment to go out at that time when we were grieving was unnecessary,” he added, News.com.au reported.
In place of flowers, Charlotte’s parents are encouraging the public to make donations to the Kids Helpline in memory of their daughter.
Kelly has also issued an urgent plea to the public, asking them not to direct blame on her late daughter’s classmates.