That simple yet poignant sentence was part of the wording used on the remembrance card for Ashlie Ayres who was tragically killed following the collision of a fishing trawler and a boat on Sydney Harbour in the early hours of May 1.

The 32 year old mother of two was remembered by family and close friends at a private funeral service held in Port Macquarie last Friday,

Despite the shock of the accident, the family – including sister Angela from Wauchope – wanted Ashlie to be remembered for her warmth and being ‘a vital person’.

Angela said the family went ahead with their plans to plant flowering plants on ‘this lovely Autumn day in memory of Ashlie’.

“We invited everyone to do the same thing … to cherish and remember Ashlie,” Angela said.

“We kept the details of the funeral from the media as we wanted to keep it for close family and friends so we could grieve privately and give my sister the farewell she deserved.

“As we wished, the day will be remembered by all that encountered Ashlie’s kindness, caring and generous ways, and she will not be forgotten by those that she touched with her beautiful smile and loving heart.

“As a loving mother, all Ashlie ever wanted was to have a stable and secure home for her and her boys.

“Our family will endeavour that her wishes for her son’s future will come true.

“We wish to thank all the support we have received and also wish to thank all the family and friends who attended the funeral service.

“At the service we handed out remembrance cards and hope that people will act on their promise to remember Ashlie.”

Part of the remembrance card read as follows:

‘I feel strongly that you are grateful that Ashlie was part of your life, and that her influence continues, and the consequences that flow from her character and cheery attitude, that you knew, will endure forever in our acts and thoughts.

“You will always remember her as a living and vital person, and that memory will help to

strengthen you in times of trouble and bring joy to your day.

‘You will always have memories of Ashlie that you treasure, for there can never be too much affection, friendship, warmth or love in our world.’