It was always about the teddy bear room. Whenever any of my friends came over they wanted to see it. My mum had a collection of teddy bears amassing to over a thousand cuddly bears organised as neatly as a teddy bears picnic all in one room. Her teddy bear collection is a symbol of who she was.

She had little bears. She had big bears. She had original Steiff bears worth over a hundred thousand dollars. Mum was a true enthusiast.

Her love of teddy bears is a true reflection of the warm, cuddly person she was.

Her hugs always surrounded you. They made you feel like everything was ok. She was always there for you, just like a teddy bear is. She always put you first. She was humble, caring and loving. Her arms were open to everyone.

She is now a teddy bear angel looking over us. She will forever be remembered as the teddy bear maestro.