The Royal Family has expressed its sadness at the death of Canberra mother Moira Lye, who lost her three-year battle with breast cancer this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms Lye, 41, passed away peacefully at Clare Holland House on Saturday leaving behind five children, a loving husband, and a legacy of generosity and selflessness.
Just one week after Ms Lye stopped her chemotherapy in April, she watched her six-year-old twins, Sebastian and Oliver, help the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge plant an oak tree at the National Arboretum.
Ms Lye watched Oliver proudly put an arm around Sebastian, who was born with Down syndrome and has sight and hearing disabilities, as the royal couple tossed dirt on the freshly planted tree.
The Duke and Duchess were told of Ms Lye's passing late on Wednesday.
A spokesman for Kensington Palace said: "Their Royal Highnesses were saddened to hear this news''.
After the Arboretum event, Ms Lye said she was very proud of her young sons, which was no surprise to those who knew her well.
''I think Sebastian was more excited about being allowed to play in the playground, and Oliver thought it was pretty cool. I don’t think they will realise the significance of it until later,'' she said after the event.
''It was such a wonderful day for all of us, to be able to create memories like that. But every day is special to us, we cherish every moment.''
Ms Lye’s husband, Greg, said his wife was irreplaceable and would be dearly missed by all who knew her.
''I love her to death ... she’s just such a special person, and a great mum who can’t be replaced,'' he said.
Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said she developed a friendship with Ms Lye while working as the minister for health.
''She had an incredible goodness in her that made people want to be around her, to work with her, and to donate to the various causes she represented,'' she said.
Ms Gallagher said the passing of Ms Lye was very saddening and the loss would be felt by the many people in Canberra who had been touched by her.
''I was one of those people,'' she said. ''She had an impact on me that made me a better person. She taught me to always look for the good in people and to never give up.
''Sometimes you meet people who enrich your life and she just happened to be one of those people.''
Childhood friend Lucinda Martin, who knew Ms Lye since they were just two years old, said she had left a lasting impression on how to live with loyalty and generosity.
''She was just the most amazingly generous person, and she had such a giving nature,'' she said.
''She was always thinking of others, even when she faced the most difficult circumstances herself. She touched so many lives and shared so many happy times with so many.''
Ms Martin said Moira lived her life with ''tremendous energy'', could see the positive in every situation, and really brought the best out of everyone.
''These are values she has instilled in her wonderful children,'' she said. ''She was a very proud mum and an amazing role model.''
A Requiem Mass will be held for Ms Lye at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Forrest at 10am on Friday, followed by a private burial ceremony.
The family has asked that donations be made to the Garvan Institute in lieu of flowers.
