'Our Princess Zoe, flying high in the sky': Wangaratta schoolgirl farewelled
An 11-year-old girl who was murdered following a party at her Wangaratta home has been remembered as a popular student who dreamed of becoming a pop star.
Zoe Buttigieg was farewelled by 300 mourners at an emotional funeral service at St Patrick's Catholic Church on Tuesday afternoon.
Brightly-coloured balloons were released by the crowd, which included family, friends and classmates. There were also members of the Wangaratta community who had not met Zoe, but were touched by her death.
Zoe's mother, Janelle Saunders, found her dead in her bedroom on October 25. A party had been held at the house the night before.
29-year-old party guest Bowe Maddigan has been charged with sexual penetration of a child and murder.
Family members had to help a distraught Ms Saunders from the church, as she walked behind a white coffin emblazoned with the phrase, 'Fly High, Angel.'
Zoe's godmother, Jenny Zahra, spoke of an 11-year-old girl who was beginning to take an interest in fashion, and had a passion for cooking. Pancakes were her favourite dish.
She was an athletic child, who excelled at running, discus, and netball. She loved dogs, particularly her black Staffordshire Terrier, Jax.
"Zozo was carefree and innocent. A happy child who always had a smile on her face," Ms Zahra said.
She said Zoe loved music, and would sing and dance in front of her bedroom mirror, wearing headphones.
"Her dream was eventually to star on X Factor."
Two staff members from Yarrunga Primary School, where Zoe was a well-liked and dedicated Grade Four student, read tributes that had been compiled by her classmates.
"If you didn't know her like we did, you missed out on knowing an amazing girl," one child wrote.
"She ran very fast. Her nickname was 'Cheetah,'" said another.
She was remembered as a practical joker with a perfect attendance record, who was nervous when asked to stand up and read in class, but was growing in confidence.
"Our class will never be the same. We miss her every day."
A statement was read on behalf of Zoe's sister, Chloe Buttigieg, who wept as she placed a framed photo atop her coffin.
She said having a younger sister - 'My princess, my Zoe' - had been a wish come true.
"I ask myself, 'Why? Why you? Why someone so young and precious?'"
Father Mike Pullar acknowledged the tragic nature of Zoe's death by telling the congregation it was not the time for asking questions. "There is no time here for commentary either. Our only task, our only gift to Zoe today, is to remember her."
"This experience is a blunt reminder that tomorrow might not come."
Some mourners cried openly as a video montage was played, featuring dozens of candid photographs of Zoe taken throughout her short life.
In a newspaper death notice, Zoe's family expressed comfort at the thought she was now with her father, Stephen, who died several years ago.
There has been an outpouring of support for her mother and older siblings, Chloe and Jordan, from the Wangaratta community in the weeks following her death.
A candlelight vigil in Zoe's honour attracted 500 people. A fair and fundraiser will be held at Wangaratta Racecourse on November 20.
Bowe Maddigan will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February.
