The only surviving victim of the deadly Leongatha mushroom lunch has joined hundreds to farewell his wife at a public memorial service today in Victoria’s east.
Heather Wilkinson, 66, was remembered as humble person who “just loved being a mum” at the service at the Korumburra Recreation Centre.
Her husband, Ian Wilkinson, walked into the service with the assistance of a walking frame, just weeks after he was released from hospital following the poisoning on July 29.
He had spent two months fighting for life in hospital in an induced coma.
About 400 people, including Heather and Ian’s son David Wilkinson, remembered Heather as a “beloved wife, daughter, sister, mum, favourite mother-in-law, grandma, and friend”.
“Mum considered motherhood to be a wonderful gift. She understood the real value mothers play in the lives of their children and in society,” he said.
“She loved to laugh and have fun… she was so creative in play and encouraged us to find things to do.
“She loved being a mum and she loved us. She was uncompromising but full of grace.
“Thoughtful, faithful and welcoming to visitors.”
Heather Wilkinson, her sister Gail Patterson and her husband Don died in hospital after they all ate a beef Wellington cooked by their daughter-in-law Erin Patterson.
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Simon Patterson, the son of the two other victims and ex-partner of Erin also attended the service.
He did not address the mourners.
Donations collected at the memorial will go to the Austin Hospital in Melbourne, which is where Heather was treated before her death.
Funds will also be donated to a charity hospital in Niger, which was close to Heather’s heart.
Homicide Detectives are continuing to investigate the poisoning, with all victims having displayed symptoms of poisoning by death cap mushrooms.
Police previously said the woman who cooked the meal, Erin Patterson, was a suspect.
She has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged.
