A Heartbreaking Loss
Catriona Rowntree, the beloved host of The Getaway, has shared the heartbreaking news that her older sister, Lucinda, has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. The 54-year-old shared the devastating update on social media, expressing her deep sorrow and grief over the loss. This tragic event occurred three years after Lucinda’s initial diagnosis, marking the end of a long and difficult journey.
“I am heartbroken to share that my beautiful, big sister Lucinda, passed away today,” Rowntree wrote in a heartfelt post. “I am just so sad to share that tonight, heaven has a new angel, our beautiful Lucinda.”
A Life Filled with Kindness
In her tribute, Rowntree shared a carousel of photos that celebrated her sister’s life and legacy. She described Lucinda as someone who “threw kindness around like confetti,” highlighting how much she was loved by everyone who knew her.
“Lucinda truly ‘threw kindness around like confetti,’ everyone adored her,” she wrote. “The apple of my parents’ eyes, Lucinda went on to marry her first sweetheart, Johnno. She was the world’s best Mum, and a mum-of-four.”
Rowntree also spoke about Lucinda’s passion for children, mentioning that she had a gift store named after her beloved daughter, Daisy. “Lucinda had a talent with children and even had a gift store named after her beloved daughter Daisy,” she said.
A Career Focused on Education
Teaching became a central part of Lucinda’s life in recent years, and her students were deeply affected by her presence. “Teaching has been her focus the last few years and equally all her students agree they’ve been blessed to have her in their lives,” Rowntree noted.
Throughout Lucinda’s health journey, the family experienced an outpouring of support from others. “Her health journey has seen our family experience so much kindness from others, thank you so very much, it’s been treasured,” Rowntree added.
Battling Cancer with Hope
Lucinda was diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2023, and although the type of cancer remains unknown, Rowntree mentioned at the time that it was “apparently incurable.” She underwent various treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and a medical trial in the United States.
“She was on a trial from the US. We had great hopes and unfortunately that hasn’t worked,” Rowntree previously shared. “It’s not ‘no,’ it’s just a ‘not yet.'”
Supporting a Cause Close to Her Heart
Through her sister’s battle, Rowntree discovered the Australian charity Dreams2Live4, which helps adults living with metastatic cancer make their dreams come true. She has since become a supporter of the organization and encouraged others to get involved.
“Go ahead and support @dreams2live4.aus, I didn’t know about them until recently, they’re good people,” she wrote in her latest post.
Remembering a Beloved Family Member
Lucinda’s passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew her, especially her family. Rowntree’s heartfelt message serves as a reminder of the strength and love that defined her sister’s life. As the family grieves, they continue to honor Lucinda’s memory through acts of kindness and support for others facing similar challenges.
