A Heartbreaking Loss
Catriona Rowntree, a well-known presenter on Channel Nine, has shared her deep sorrow following the passing of her sister Lucinda after a brave fight against stage four cancer. In an emotional Instagram post over the weekend, Catriona expressed her heartbreak, stating, “I am heartbroken to share that my beautiful, big sister Lucinda, passed away today.” She described Lucinda as someone who “threw kindness around like confetti,” and everyone who knew her adored her.
In her heartfelt message, Catriona said she was “just so sad” to have to share the news that “heaven has a new angel.” She also tagged Dreams2Live4, a charity that provides support to individuals with terminal cancer, in her post. The news of Lucinda’s passing sent shockwaves through the community, with friends and colleagues rushing to express their love and support for Catriona.
Georgie Gardner, a fellow media personality, wrote, “How devastating beautiful @catrionarowntree Life is just so precious. Thinking of you & deepest condolences.” Meghan Gale also shared a message, writing, “I’m so sorry for your loss Catriona. May your beautiful sister rest in love and peace. Condolences to you and your family.” Michelle Bridges was another star to publicly acknowledge the tragedy, writing, “Sending condolences and love to you and family. Your words of your sister has me in tears. She’s watching over you all.”
In Catriona’s post, she shared details about Lucinda’s life, including how she traveled the world with her first sweetheart, Johnno, and they eventually settled down to focus on their family of four children. Catriona described Lucinda as “the worlds best Mum,” highlighting her talent with children and even mentioning a gift store named after her beloved daughter Daisy.
Teaching had been Lucinda’s focus in recent years, and all her students agreed they were blessed to have her in their lives. Catriona also expressed gratitude for the kindness shown by others during her sister’s health journey, saying, “Thankyou so very much, it’s been treasured.”
Lucinda’s passing came just three years after Catriona shared that she was responding well to a “trial treatment” from the US. At the time, Catriona told 9Entertainment, “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.”
In a separate Instagram post, Catriona revealed how she had been able to give her sister a “big hug” as they enjoyed a stay at a friend’s guesthouse in Daylesford, Victoria. She wrote, “I’ve noticed Lucinda is now focused on bringing Bucket List wishes to life, not waiting and milking every moment between her treatments.” Catriona added, “It’s a great outlook don’t you think, milk today, who knows what tomorrow brings.”
However, a year later, Catriona shared the heartbreaking news that the trial treatment hadn’t worked. The emotional journey of Lucinda and her family has touched many, showing the strength and resilience of those facing such challenges.
