A YEAR has passed since 15-year-old Jessie Cate was murdered by her sister’s ex-boyfriend on the night of December 12.
But her mother Judy Cate said she didn’t want her daughter to be remembered as the girl who tragically died.
“I want her to be remembered for the beautiful person she was,” Mrs Cate said.
“I learn more and more about her each day from other people.
“I’m astounded by the impact she had on others.”
This afternoon family, friends and members of the community joined together at Henry Sutton Grove in Halls Head to mark the one-year anniversary of Jessie’s death.
A barbecue started at 4pm – the last time Mrs Cate saw Jessie – and a minute’s silence was held before the releasing of purple balloons.
Mrs Cate said it had been an extraordinary year tinged with sadness.
“I have mixed emotions,” she said.
“A lot of good things have come; I’ve made new friends and had great support from the community.
“But it’s been bittersweet.
“Every new celebration or memory we make Jessie won’t be around for and she should be a part of it all.”
She said she was pleased with the outcome of sentencing for killer Kyle Rohan Garth but said there would never be closure after her “senseless” death.
“It’s a daily struggle,” she said.
“We take each day as it comes.
“She had so much going for her and the community missed out on a beautiful member.
“I just want her to be remembered for the good things she did and the impact she had on other people.”
