The family of woman killed in a suspected mushroom poisoning in rural Victoria have made a touching tribute as mourners gather for a packed funeral service.
Heather Wilkinson, along with her sister Gail Patterson and brother-in-law Don Patterson, died after eating a beef wellington at a home in Leongatha in July.
A memorial service for Heather is set to be held Korumburra Indoor Recreational Centre on Wednesday, where mourners were urged to forgo flowers.
Instead, attendees have been encouraged to donate to two “worthy causes”: the hospital that treated Ms Wilkinson in her final days, and another in faraway Niger.
“The Austin Hospital provided outstanding care for Heather in her final days,” attendees were told.
“Gifts help support care for patients and families; research projects and clinical trials.
“Life saving transplants and surgeries; training and scholarships for future healthcare leaders.”
Mourners were also encouraged to donate to the Galmi Hospital in the west African nation of Niger, which was a cause “close to Heather’s heart”.
“Galmi Hospital (…) provides compassionate and high quality medical care,” the funeral notice stated.
“The Galmi Hospital Benevolent Fund financially assists patients unable to pay hospital fees due to poverty and other social facts.”
Ms Wilkinson’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, survived the lunch served at the of Erin Patterson and was seen at the service for the first time since leaving hospital.
The 68-year-old was reportedly seen wearing a face mask and using a walking frame when he arrived at the memorial service for his late wife on Wednesday.
The couple were well-loved and were active in the church community in Victoria’s southeast, where Mr Wilkinson served as a baptist church pastor.
A public memorial was held for Don and Gail Patterson in August.