A Heartbreaking Farewell
Catriona Rowntree, a well-known television presenter, recently shared the heartbreaking news of her older sister Lucinda’s passing after a long battle with cancer. The 54-year-old woman, who was deeply loved by many, left behind a legacy of kindness and positivity that touched everyone she met.
In an emotional Instagram post, Catriona expressed her deep sorrow. “I am heartbroken to share that my beautiful, big sister Lucinda, passed away today,” she wrote. She described Lucinda as someone who “threw kindness around like confetti,” and everyone who knew her adored her.
Lucinda was the apple of her parents’ eyes and had a remarkable life. She married her first sweetheart, Johnno, and they traveled the world together. After achieving her Teachers Degree, she settled down to focus on her family of four children. Her friends and family all agreed that she was the “worlds best Mum.” Lucinda had a special talent with children and even had a gift store named after her beloved daughter Daisy.
Teaching became her focus in recent years, and her students were incredibly grateful for the impact she had on their lives. Throughout her health journey, Catriona expressed immense gratitude for the kindness shown by others. “Thankyou so very much, it’s been treasured,” she said.
In her final message, Catriona encouraged her followers to support Dreasm2Live4 Australia, a charity that helps make dreams come true for people with terminal cancer. 
Updates on Lucinda’s Health Journey
Catriona first shared the news of Lucinda’s Stage Four cancer diagnosis in 2023. In February 2024, she updated her followers that Lucinda was responding well to chemotherapy, and her doctors were happy with her progress. “Lucinda is doing well. Very tired as she nears the end of her chemo, but the doctors are happy and results will be in this week,” she told the Herald Sun.
Lucinda’s family had several reasons to celebrate during this time. Her daughter Katie just got engaged, and her other daughter Georgia was asked by Blue Illusion to be in a shoot with Catriona’s mum, celebrating three generations of women. “Lots to look forward to … and live for,” Catriona shared. 
In November 2023, Catriona revealed that Lucinda was beginning chemotherapy. “She was on a trial from the US. We had great hopes and unfortunately that hasn’t worked,” she told 9Entertainment. “It’s not ‘no’, it’s just a ‘not yet.’”
In June, Lucinda started a trial treatment from the US, and Catriona shared that she was “responding well.” “I think her doctors are feeling relieved to know that something is moving in the right direction regardless of the treatment that she’s on,” she said.
In a previous Instagram post, Catriona visited Lucinda in Daylesford and said she was “doing well.” 
A Bittersweet Birthday Post
The Getaway host first revealed her sister’s cancer diagnosis in a bittersweet post shared on Facebook. According to Catriona, the cancer is “apparently incurable” and has forced Lucinda to quit her job as a schoolteacher in the Upper North Shore suburb of West Pymble in Sydney.
“A bit of a personal post for me, today is my big sister Lucinda’s birthday, Lucinda is a true gem. Unlike me, growing up, Lucinda never caused my parents an ounce of worry,” the post began. “We recently found out that Lucinda has Stage 4 Cancer, which is apparently incurable. I’m trying so hard to choose my words carefully here, other than to say a lot of tears have been shed – but Lucinda is fighting and positive. We all are.”
“She started chemo (sheer hell) and immunotherapy (our bright light) at Royal North Shore Hospital. Lucina is now unable to work as she commits to the fight of her life,” the post continued. “Her girlfriends have created a GoFundMe page to ease the household stress and I’ve asked her permission to share this with you,” she added. 
A Community in Support
According to the GoFundMe, Lucinda is a “much loved” member of her local community. “Her laughter lights up the room and we are keen to lighten the load and help with weekly bills to keep her comfortable in her home during this time,” the description read. “We want to show Lucinda, we love her, and we are all with her.”
Despite the terminal prognosis, Lucinda is set to join a “new medical trial” that may be able to assist in the recovery of other cancer sufferers in the future.
The post concluded with a powerful message from the heart. “Trust me when I say to live your life to the absolute max,” Catriona wrote. “None of us knows what each moment holds for us and please say a little prayer for Lucinda tonight. Thankyou.”
