Family and friends remember Marelle Sturrock: 'You sang your way through life'
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Marelle Sturrock will be remembered as a “bubbly, vibrant and fun-loving woman” who had a “heart of gold”, friends and family members heard at a celebration of her life in Wick today.
Hundreds attended the service in the Assembly Rooms where messages were read out on behalf of Marelle's older sisters, Clare and Sarah, in which her love of singing and performing shone through along with her kindness.
“We will always be looking for you in the stars, sunrises, and in the stage lights,” Clare wrote, while Sarah's message said: “You sang your way through life with your amazing voice and talent.”
The head of the Glasgow primary school where Marelle was a member of staff told of classes being “spellbound” by her singing voice. She said it had been a privilege to watch Marelle develop into “an inspirational, creative and nurturing teacher”.
Some who attended the hour-long service wiped away tears as Clare and her eight-year-old daughter Cara led a rendition of Gary Barlow's Sing, and again later when a recording was played of Marelle performing the reflective Fleetwood Mac song Landslide.
The celebration of life was conducted by funeral celebrant John Glen, who said it marked the "final journey" for Marelle and her unborn baby Jayden. She was 29 weeks pregnant when she was killed at her home in Glasgow on April 25.
Mr Glen said: “Marelle's loss has left a great sense of shock and a feeling of unfairness which is likely to remain with us all for some time. Today is a chance for us all to unite in our grief and in our love for a beautiful, talented and kind young woman who had an enormous presence in our lives – a presence which will be felt for a very long time to come.”
Mr Glen spoke of the "overwhelming kindness” shown to Marelle's family. “The outpouring of love and support for them has brought a great deal of comfort,” he said.
“It's comforting knowing that Marelle and baby Jayden are being looked after in the place that most of us like to call heaven, their final journey taken together today. There's a sense of solace in knowing that they're reunited with all those loved ones gone before them and in knowing that they are at peace.
“Marelle was a wonderful daughter, a cherished sister and auntie.
“We are lucky to have known and loved someone so special as Marelle. We remember with overwhelming love and affection the bubbly, vibrant, fun-loving woman that Marelle was – a young woman who touched the lives of so many with her kindness, her laughter and her love."
Mr Glen recited the bereavement poem Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep before reading out the tributes from Clare and Sarah.
Clare's message said: “Marelle, my beautiful baby sister, my heart is broken. You were the best sister to me... I just can't believe you're gone.
“You were so kind, with a heart of gold, always putting people first before yourself.
“We will always be looking for you in the stars, sunrises, and in the stage lights. We will all miss you so much, Marelle – our lives will never be the same again.”
Sarah's tribute said: “There are no words to explain how broken we all are. You were happy, and had a whole world to look forward to with your wee bundle of joy. You would have been the best mum ever.
“You are the best wee sister I could have ever had. You always saw the best in everyone you met. You sang your way through life with your amazing voice and talent.”
Sarah pointed out that Marelle had loved being in the spotlight from an early age.
“What I would give to see you walk through that door for one last hug.
“You left my house at Easter time shouting, 'Next time I see you I'll have wee Jayden with me!' You were so excited.
“Now look where we are today. Life just does not make sense, and never will.
“You really were simply the best.”
Mr Glen spoke of Marelle's involvement in the MADD Society (Music, Arts, Dance and Drama) and in Wick Players.
He described her as "the life and soul of any gathering", and a very sociable person, as he read out some tributes from friends.
He also read a tribute from Fiona Donnelly, head teacher at Sandwood Primary School, who had written: “Marelle was such a loved and respected member of staff at Sandwood Primary School. She was a wonderful and inspirational teacher who adored all the children that she worked with.
“Over the past six years it has been a privilege to watch her grow and develop into an inspirational, creative and nurturing teacher.
“Speaking to our staff, pupils and their families about their memories of Marelle over the past few weeks, there were common themes that stood out.
"What was mentioned by all was Marelle's extremely caring nature. She always thought of others and radiated kindness and compassion. She always asked how you were, and offered support if you were having a difficult time.
“Her gestures of genuine kindness were extremely touching and continue to be remembered.
"As a class teacher, Marelle went to great lengths to meet the needs of her pupils, always making time to speak with families if they were requiring support or advice. This was particularly noted during lockdown, where she went above and beyond, spending many hours on the phone to check in and offer guidance, or just to talk if that's what was needed.
“Music came through strongly in everyone's memories. Marelle was an incredibly talented singer. She left classes spellbound with her beautiful voice.
“Most recently Marelle gave staff goosebumps as she performed for them to practise for a friend's wedding – a very talented young lady.
"She was a wonderful person who I will always remember and will miss dearly. Marelle and her baby Jayden will be forever in our hearts and always in our thoughts.”
Closing the service, Mr Glen said there were no words to describe the "shock, devastation and heartbreak" for Marelle's family and friends that her life had been cut short.
"Marelle had her whole life ahead of her, so many memories still to be made," he said.
"She was so looking forward to becoming a mum. There is no doubt at all that Marelle would have been the most wonderful mummy."
Police believe Marelle's partner David Yates, who was found dead at Mugdock Country Park on the outskirts of Glasgow after an intensive search operation, was responsible for her death.
Her parents, Colin and Lorna Sturrock, said in a statement released through Police Scotland in the days after the tragedy that they were devastated over the death of Marelle and their soon-to-be grandson.
They described her as "the happiest person you could ever meet" and "always looking to help others the best she could”.
