‘Beloved’ nurse farewelled after triple crash

Queensland nurse Sheree Robertson, one of the three fatalities in a triple-car-collision, has been remembered as a dedicated nurse and beloved sister, aunty and friend in an emotional funeral held on Monday.

The 52-year-old was driving home after a shift at Maryborough Hospital when she was involved in a fatal triple-car crash after an allegedly stolen Mercedes Benz driven by a 13-year-old drove into car and caused another crash with an oncoming car.

Speaking at Ms Robertson’s funeral at Orana Chapel, fellow nurses from Maryborough Hospital said she “genuinely loved” her patients, and called her the “social glue” of her team.

“Sheree was always the first to do a thorough bin dive when a patient reported missing dentures, hearing aids or glasses regardless of whether they could remember having them that day or not. Hence she was given the bin chicken name,” one colleague said.

Another nurse who worked with Ms Robertson said: “She always had a soft spot for those without relatives visiting them each day. She was often the one to do their washing, buy them clothes when they didn’t have any or even bring in a cake for their birthdays.

“She often confessed that she got too close to some patients, but that was our Sheree.”

During the ceremony, friends placed sunflowers on the casket in honour of her favourite flower.

A white rose and white candle was lit and placed on the casket in honour of Ms Robertson’s service to nursing.

Colleagues also paid tribute to Ms Robertson in a guard of honour at Maryborough Hospital at 10am and at Hervey Bay Hospital at 10.30am.

Another colleague, Browyn, said nurses from across the state had shared their condolences since Ms Robertson’s death, and she would be missed by her nursing family from ward three.

“Sheree had a heart of gold and this was reflected through the many little things she did that meant so much to many,” Brownwyn said.

“Simple acts of kindness like sharing hot chips from across the road with a patient during a meal break, bringing in Easter eggs to share with the patients and in supporting the well-being of her team.”

Ms Robertson’s elder brother was distraught sharing his remarks about his sister.

“She was me rock. When I wanted someone to have a whinge about work with, I’d go to her,” he said.

“2am in the morning, she was there … I love me little sis. I always have. She’s just always been there.

During the ceremony, family and friends also read passages and poems, including Final Flight by Joshua Hillard, and Brene Brown’s The Power of Empathy.

Ms Robertson was one of the three fatalities after an allegedly stolen Mercedes-Benz crashed into a Holden carrying three passengers. The impact of the crash forced the Holden into an oncoming Mazda driven by Ms Robertson.

Two passengers in the Holden, Kelsie Davies, 17, and mum of two Michale Chandler also died at the scene. Fellow passenger Kaylah Behrens was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and has since woken up from a coma in a stable condition.

Police will allege a 13-year-old boy was driving the stolen vehicle at the time of the crash. He has been charged with three counts of dangerous operation of motor vehicle causing death and one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Ms Robertson’s sister Leisa Latimer told 7 News that fellow nurses from Maryborough Hospital were with Ms Robertson after coming across the crash site.

“Nurses who finished their shift with her, they were travelling behind when the accident happened,” she told Sunrise on Friday.

“They rushed in and were holding her hand and holding her.

“The family are really grateful that the nurses were there with her. We thank them with all our hearts that they were then when she passed.”