Loved ones remember newlywed bride who died on her honeymoon in moving funeral service
Family and friends have gathered to commemorate the “kind-hearted spirit” and “unconditional love” of the newlywed bride who tragically died in a golf buggy accident on her honeymoon in an emotional funeral service
Marina Morgan, 29, had only been married to husband Robbie Morgan for 10 days when she died in a freak accident on the couples honeymoon in Hamilton Island.
At 9 am on Saturday the 2nd of July, hundreds of friends and family filled St Mary & St Merkorious Coptic Orthodox Church in Rhodes – the same place Marina and Robbie were married.
A funeral notice posted to the church’s Facebook page in Arabic and English referred to her as the “bride of heaven”.
Several men, including her husband, carried her coffin into the building and onto the altar, where a photo of Marina on her wedding day was placed on top of the casket.
After prayers filled the church, friends and family shared their memories of Marina’s life.
Marina’s brother, Mark Hanna, described his sister as a “sweet, young, independent woman who was loved by everyone.”
“She was beautiful inside and out, loved to laugh, and always had a positive outlook on life.”
In his emotional eulogy, Mr Hanna described the strong bond he shared with his sister.
“I've lost someone who I shared so many things … we always shared with each other our hidden fears, and now it feels as though I’ve lost a part of myself, leaving a wound that stretches from the middle of my ribcage to the bottom of my gut,” he said.
“It’s very difficult to accept that our gorgeous Marina is no longer here with us.
“I will do my best to not let this scar be the death of me,” he promised as he broke down in tears.
“Mum, dad, husband Robbie, me, your extended families, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends and everyone who knew you will never forget you.”
While Mr Morgan did not stand to speak during the funeral, he briefly spoke to media after.
“I can’t explain the sadness in my heart, my wife was loved by so many,” Mr Morgan said told reporters after the funeral.
Cousin Miriam remembered her “partner in crime” who lived her life “fearlessly” and vowed to do the same.
In a bespoke poem, Miriam also described how Marina fulfilled her life’s goal of getting married, filling her family with pride.
“We never thought that day would be your last,” she recited.
“To marry her soulmate Robbie and to be a bride, while always filling her family with so much love and so much pride
While Mr Morgan did not get up to speak, the priest told the church how he had recalled the couple’s last few days together.
“Please see this as a celebration. She is in a better place now alongside God and his angels.”
Mrs Morgan’s casket was carried outside and placed into the back of a hearse, before it was driven to Rookwood Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest.
Images: Facebook