Tear-jerking scenes as hundreds of mourners farewell mum, 42, allegedly stabbed to death by her estranged husband while her children watched in horror
- Karen Gilliland was allegedly stabbed to death by estranged husband Nigel
- The alleged murder was witnessed by Ms Gilliland's two children on June 23
- The 42-year-old from Rockhampton, Queensland was laid to rest on Tuesday
- Ms Gilliland's estranged husband Nigel has since been charged with murder
Hundreds have farewelled slain Rockhampton mum Karen Gilliland, who was allegedly stabbed to death by her estranged husband in front of her children.
The 42-year-old nurse was remembered as a rebellious spirit who put everyone's needs before her own.
'(You were a) best mate to many, friend to all, workplace mum to the lab rats and mother to four incredible souls,' a message from workmate that was read out said.
Rockhampton mum Karen Gilliland (pictured) was allegedly stabbed to death by her estranged husband in front of her children
Her funeral was live streamed and held on Tuesday at St Joseph's Cathedral in Rockhampton
The service was held in St Joseph's Cathedral in Rockhampton on Tuesday and streamed online.
Ms Gilliland died on June 23, in a confronting attack that was witnessed by two of her children.
Nigel Gilliland, who was estranged from his wife, has been charged with her murder.
Share this article
Father Bryan Hanifin urged the congregation to channel their pain, shock and anger at Karen's swift and violent death into supporting her children.
'What are we going to do about Karen's death?'
'In some ways, it is easy to cry in her memory, but I believe we need to ask the question of ourselves: what am I going to do with my life in her memory, when the tears have dried?' he said.
'What are we going to do about her unfinished masterpiece, her beautiful children?'
Hundreds farewelled the mother on Tuesday after she was allegedly stabbed to death by her estranged husband
Nigel Gilliland, who was estranged from his wife, has been charged with her murder
'(You were a) best mate to many, friend to all, workplace mom to the lab rats and mother to four incredible souls,' a message from workmate that was read out said
Her brother Bryan Cranston put on a brave face as he too spoke of his sister's devotion to her children.
'The kids really were Karen's life ... all she ever wanted to do was be a mum,' he said while holding the hand of Karen's youngest child, six-year-old Jade.
A GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her three children has amassed almost $50,000 in donations.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 1
Mourners seen hugging each other after farewelling slain mother on Tuesday
