A public memorial will be today held for two of the victims of the deadly mushroom lunch in regional Victoria.
Don and Gail Patterson died after eating a beef Wellington cooked by daughter in-law Erin Patterson at her Leongatha home in Victoria’s south-east on July 29.
The pair were laid to rest at a private burial last week, but a public memorial service at their local Korumburra Recreation Centre will be held today.
Gail Patterson’s sister, and local teacher, Heather Wilkinson also died after eating toxic wild mushrooms.
A fourth person, Reverend Ian Wilkinson, who is a pastor at Korumburra Baptist Church and Wilkinson’s husband, is fighting for life in hospital.
“The upcoming public memorial will be an opportunity for all who knew Don and Gail to come together, share memories, and celebrate the lasting legacy they have left behind,” a media release on the memorial said.
“In keeping with Don and Gail’s wishes and character, the family has chosen to commemorate their lives in a manner that reflects their values and the love they shared with their community.
“The Patterson family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and understanding during this challenging time.”
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Police are continuing to investigate the deaths, with Erin Patterson remaining a person of interest.
“I would like to say that because the Homicide Squad is investigating this matter, it doesn’t automatically mean that the deaths are suspicious,” Detective Inspector Dean Thomas told media earlier this month.
“She is (a suspect) because she cooked those mushrooms.”
She was flanked by a team of legal representatives as she left her lawyers’ office, including prominent criminal lawyer Bill Doogue.
The 48-year-old has denied any wrongdoing and no charges have been laid.
