Colac West, Victoria — A Community Mourns the Sudden Loss of Beloved Mother and Friend, Sarah Colelough

Colac West, Victoria — A Community Mourns the Sudden Loss of Beloved Mother and Friend, Sarah Colelough

The rural township of Colac West, Victoria, is enveloped in a deep and sorrowful silence following the sudden and unexpected passing of Sarah Colelough, a devoted mother, cherished community member, and loyal friend to many. Her untimely death has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew her, and a wave of grief has settled over the region as residents come together to mourn one of their own.

Sarah, a woman whose warmth radiated through every smile and gesture, was first and foremost a loving mother to her two young boys, Oscar and Madden, whom she adored more than anything in the world. Her devotion to her children was the cornerstone of her life — she poured her entire heart into raising them, guiding them with strength, compassion, and fierce protection. Every decision she made was for their benefit, and her love for them was unwavering.

To her family and close friends, Sarah was a source of strength and kindness — someone who never hesitated to put others before herself, who gave without expectation, and who found joy in the simplest moments of everyday life. Whether it was chatting over a cup of coffee, volunteering at local school events, or checking in on neighbors, Sarah made it her mission to spread light wherever she went.

Sarah’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout Colac West, a community that thrives on connection, where every face is familiar and every loss is deeply personal. Tributes have flooded social media in the days following the news, with friends and acquaintances sharing stories of Sarah’s compassion, humour, and infectious positivity. Many recall her as a woman who greeted others with a warm smile, offered a helping hand without hesitation, and never let life’s challenges harden her heart.

“She was the kind of person who made you feel like you mattered,” said a longtime neighbor. “Sarah had this quiet strength about her. She didn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room — her love and presence spoke volumes.”

In the wake of her passing, a community fundraiser has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and create a lasting memorial for Sarah. The funds will also provide ongoing support for Oscar and Madden, ensuring they are cared for in the difficult days ahead and that their mother’s legacy of love and resilience lives on in their lives.

The outpouring of support from the Colac West community and beyond has been nothing short of remarkable — a testament to the impact Sarah had on so many. Messages of condolence, offers of assistance, and heartfelt donations have poured in, uniting friends, family, and strangers in shared grief and compassion.

A memorial service will be held in the coming days to honour Sarah’s life. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the woman who brought so much love, strength, and joy into their lives.

Though her life was tragically cut short, Sarah Colelough’s spirit will endure — in the laughter of her children, the stories carried forward by her friends, and the enduring love that binds a grieving community together.

She is gone, but never forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Sarah. Your light lives on in every heart you touched.