SHE was taken too soon, but for those who knew Vivien Hodgins the memories will last a lifetime.
"Miss Vivvy'' was a wife, mother, teacher, best friend, confidante, role model and a down-to-earth, kind woman with a sense of justice.
About 750 people packed the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts on Tuesday, October 13 for a public memorial for the much-loved teacher, killed in last month's Samoan tsunami.
She was described as an "enchanting being'', a "beautiful warm woman'' and "the best mum in the world''.
The service was tearful, but still full of joy, as colleagues, friends and family members spoke of her love for life, her sense of justice and the lasting effect she had on the students she taught.
The 55-year-old was a teacher at Mount Clear College for more than 30 years.
She was holidaying with fellow teacher and friend Claire Rowlands in Lalumanu, in the south-east of Samoa, when the tsunami hit.
During the 90-minute service, Ms Hodgins' husband Rod May sat in the front row with daughters Carla and Stephanie on either side of him.
The girls held their father's hands and shook with tears as they listened to speakers and watched photo slideshows.
When they took to the stage, Ms Hodgins' devastated daughters said they would miss their "mummy-pie''.
"I just want everyone to know how great my mother was,'' Carla said, tearfully.
"I love her so very much and I'm going to miss her more than anything.''
"She was the best mum in the world and she was also our friend,'' Stephanie said.
"She was one of the girls . . . and we're so so proud she was our mother.
"We're so sad she was taken so soon, but we have a lifetime of memories and she'll always be with us in our hearts.''
Her husband Rod spoke of his grief at losing his beloved wife.
"I had the incredibly good fortune of meeting this enchanting being in November 1977,'' he said.
"I pledged my eternal love for her in that delirious summer and to my great joy was privileged to have that love reciprocated until the day Vivien died.''
Ms Hodgins' siblings Dom and Robert Hodgins and Lyn Howden also attended the service and shared memories of their sister growing up.
Robert, who said his sister was a "beautiful, pure, innocent child, who turned into a beautiful, warm woman'' urged everyone to think about the important relationships in their own lives.
"I daresay there can probably be no greater tribute to Vivien than for everyone to appreciate more their own relationships with their loved ones and friends and family,'' he said.
*To celebrate Vivien's life, donations can be made to the Vivien Hodgins Samoan Appeal to help Samoan communities rebuild after the tsunami and support education with a perpetual scholarship.
Donations can be sent to The Vivien Hodgins Samoan Appeal, PO Box 1194, Wendouree Village, 3355 or by credit card by calling 5338th0950 during business hours.
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