Tributes have flowed for a young law firm partner and mum-of-three who tragically died just three weeks after she was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.
The Cairns community in Far North Queensland has been rocked by the loss of Melissa Nielsen, who died on Tuesday, aged 38.
She is survived by her husband Roger and children Harrison, 10, Jasmine, eight, and Edison, four.
She recently penned a heartbreaking note after learning of her terminal diagnosis, where she said she wanted her friends and family to look out for her babies, the Cairns Post reported.
Melissa Nielsen died within weeks after being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour
‘I have lived a very blessed life; I married the man of my dreams, have three vivacious, gorgeous children, a purposeful career and have the best friends and family a girl could ask for,’ Ms Nielsen wrote.
‘I have every faith in the village I have created for my children. Please look out for my babies and keep them in your village. Be sure to talk about their mum often. Let them know I lived life to the fullest and had fun wherever I went.’
Ms Nielsen grew up in Cairns and studied law in Townsville before returning to her hometown to practice law at Miller Harris Lawyers.
Melissa leaves behind husband Roger and three children under the age of ten (pictured)
The law firm, where Ms Nielsen was a partner since 2013, led the outpouring of community tributes as she was remembered for her baking, bright dresses, celebration and being the life of the office.
‘Melissa will be remembered by her clients for her dedication, commitment and enthusiasm to their cause and to her home region,’ the firm wrote on Facebook.
‘Melissa’s spirit, drive, and empathy for all will not be forgotten. She has lived her short life fully and deeply, and is an inspiration to us all. We will miss her terribly.’
Ms Nielsen was also a passionate advocate and fundraiser for the Send Hope Not Flowers maternal health charity.
‘Melissa was one of Send Hope Not Flowers’ most hardworking fundraisers, and friends and family can choose to honour her memory by making a donation to our maternal health programs, so that another mother can enjoy a safe birth somewhere in the world,’ the charity wrote.
‘We hope to use these donations to fund a meaningful tribute to Melissa in the coming months.’
Her law firm said Melissa Nielsen (pictured with her family) was best known for her baking, bright dresses, celebration and being the life of the office
Ms Nielsen was also heavily involved in her children’s school, St Joseph’s Primary School, and principal Gavin Rick recalled the final conversation he had with her just last week in a YouTube tribute.
‘In my last conversation with Melissa, we spoke of each of the children. She was able to express her desires for them all and their need for support during this most difficult of times,’ he said.
‘Her love for her family shone through.
‘She said to me, ‘Gavin you need to know the community we’ve built together is amazing’. I got a sense she was comforted by the love and support she had.’
Mr Rick hailed Ms Nielsen as a champion of the school who was always willing to contribute ideas and her time.
There has been an outpouring of tributes from the Cairns community following the loss of Melissa Nielsen this week (pictured with her husband at a fundraiser last November)
Aunt Lindy Huey said her niece was determined to do many things before she died.
One of the last things Ms Nielsen wanted to do set up a bursary for a female Year 12 student who excelled in leadership at her former school Babinda High School.
A MyCause page launched by Miller Harris colleague for the annual scholarship has already raised $3,900 of the $6,000 target.