The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of Tess.

We are so sorry Sue & Ben and the boys for the loss of your beautiful Tess.
Our hearts go out to you.
All our love,
Nicole, Marty, Kai & Asha xxxx

Ben, Sue, Angus and Jack..
Sincere condolences from us to you. 💐

Dearest Ben (Emu), Sue, Angus and Jack,

Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are for the loss of your beautiful daughter Tess. She was truly awe inspiring and faced every challenge along her journey with true courage and glowing positivity. Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Sending much love and support to you all.

Love,
Andrew (Stapes), Camille, Austin and Ashley. xxx ❤️❤️❤️

Dear Ben, Sue, Angus, Jack and Jill
I’m so sorry for your loss of your beautiful daughter, sister and granddaughter Tess. It was such a pleasure to watch her grow into a beautiful young woman with so much promise ahead of her. Tess had so much courage and determination to not let this insidious disease stop her living her life as she wanted. Hold dear to your heart the love and memories she gave you all, for it will live on forever. ♥

Dear Ben ,Sue,Angus& Jack
So many wonderful memories with your family over many years.
My heart goes out to you all now-and in the time that follows.
Heart braking sadness of a beautiful girl she shall be so very sadly missed
Love Jan & Keith

Sending love and prayers in this sad season of grief. We are in awe of the courage, honesty and love that your whole family has shown in the face of huge pain and loss. You have been through so much together. We feel devastated for you and for us, by Tess’s passing. She deserved so much more: time and health and happiness. And you deserved to have her with you as a precious daughter and sister. May you feel surrounded with the love and support you need in the coming months and years.

I’m heartbroken to hear the news of Tess. Sending my sincere condolences to Sue, Ben, Angus and Jack.
I’m so grateful to Tess when she reached out to me during treatment. She gave me a lot of comfort having someone to relate to. I can only hope that I was able to provide the same to her as well. Forever in my heart ❤️

So very sad to hear this news. It was such a joy and so much fun to have taught Tess. Such a talent and just so full of life with a cheeky disposition.
My heartfelt condolences to all her family and close friends. ❤️❤️

I am devastated to hear of Tess’ passing. She was someone I had the pleasure of working with as part of a university play. Her presence on and off stage made it a really fun environment to be in. It was a pleasure to work with her and to see her challenge herself in ways I never could challenge myself in. My deepest condolences to her loved ones.

Tess was an incredible person. She was smart, witty, funny and courageous.
Tess and I became good friends when we met in VCE Studio Arts class - although we came from very close friendship groups growing up in nearby towns, and thus had a lot in common.
We had a shared love for the Surfcoast and the beach - as well as a similar, quite silly sensed of humour. I will forever cherish those classes and times spent together.
Tess will forever inspire me to be brave and to show courage throughout my life. I am proud to have known her, and proud to have called her a friend.
Love Jas xxx

I’m so sad to hear of Tess’s passing. I had the absolute pleasure of directing her in a play at RMIT a few years ago. She had a beautiful presence and her talent and kindness lit up the stage. Much love to the McMurtrie family.

My most vivid memory of Tess is as a vivacious and energetic little girl at Saddle Club at Blazing Saddles in Aireys Inlet - when the girls were in Gr 2. How much fun did they have and how wonderful that playing with horses was an after school activity. Watching Tess mature into the woman she became, so confident, creative, unique and beautiful was a joy. My heart breaks for you Sue - I have no words to express comfort, I have no way to ease your pain, but I am crying with you and for you for life that Tess had and the future she did not. With much love and wishing you the strength you will need to keep getting up each day without Tess xxx

To Sue, Ben, Jack, Angus and family,
I unfortunately never got the chance to meet any of you, but I had the privilege of knowing Tess. I have seen Tess in moments few and far between since being friends in high school, however, her radiant energy, kind heart and silly humour will always be how I remember her. Even having the chance to see her during her dark times - these beautiful traits of hers still so powerfully shone through.

I’m so sorry for your loss of beautiful Tess.

To Ben and Sue and family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss and heart break.
I am glad Tess is at peace but so so sorry her life was cut so short and yours lives with her cut short too.
I wish you all the best at this very sad time.
So sorry .

To Ben, Sue ,Angus and Jack I can't image what you are all going through and my heart breaks for you all. Sending my deepest condolences for you all .❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Dear Sue, Ben, Angus & Jack.
I am deeply sorry for your loss of beautiful Tess. I will forever cherish our memories together of Monday night netball, numerous English/Maths classes together, and of course sharing a room together on our trip to Chiang Mai. I will never forget her kind-hearted, funny, and intelligent nature, she always had a smile on her face and every time we were together we would always find something to be laughing about. I will be forever grateful that I had Tess by my side throughout my teenage and early adult years. My Family and I send you our sincerest condolences. I love you Tess and I hope you are at peace.

Dear Emu, Sue, Angus and Jack
Sending all our love to you as tou celebrate the life of you beautiful girl. May you feel supported and loved by all those around you today. Please know we are with you in spirit today. We are sorry we can not be with you in person. ❤️❤️

I’m so sorry for Tess’ passing. I remember when we met as teenagers and finding common ground in mutual friends, music, interests, and art. We’d run into each other and we’d be glad when we did. In recent times we had shared pictures of walks and flowers we came across online. I’ll think of her when I see this one particular little yellow and pink flower that I sent her pictures of. She’s changed so many lives and has been a part of so many stories. I’m lucky to have known her and to have brushed shoulders even if only briefly. Wishing all who loved her well during this difficult time. Her memory lives on.

To Sue, Ben, Angus and Jack
I am so sorry for the loss of Tess. Such a beautiful and kind hearted soul, I still remember meeting her when my sister and I were only young and spending lots of time around her at home in Anglesea. She was one of the bravest people I have ever met. I hope she finds peace.
Thinking of you all xx

My deepest condolences to the family of my dear Tess..may the good Lord grant comfort & strength to her beloved family. RIP my dear Tess.

Dear Ben, Sue, Jack and Angus
I’m so sorry for your loss. Tess’s courage and your courage has been amazing in the face of a challenge I can’t even imagine. That will stay with me for a long time. Xxx