“I was meant to write a speech for her wedding. Instead I have to say goodbye.”
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With these words Jacqualine Lenz started to say goodbye to her ‘’precious daughter’’ Renee Ashley Lenz, who died in a Bulli Tops car accident on June 4.
Hundreds of people were at Kangaroo Valley Community Hall on Saturday to pay their respects to the 28-year-old hairdresser from Fairy Meadow.
Her visibly distraught mother struggled to hold back the tears as she spoke of her anguish at losing a ‘’beautiful soul’’ too soon.
‘’So many laughs, so many stories. But I feel right now that no mother should have to bury their baby,’’ Mrs Lenz said.
‘’My heart aches. I’m lost without her. She was more than a daughter. She was my world.
‘’My life revolves around my girls. I have a saying I tell them often - you are the jewels in my crown – Renee my ruby, Sammy my sapphire and Chloe my crystal.’’
Renee’s sister Sammy Jo-Pepper said ‘’one of the jewels may have fallen from mum’s crown but she [Renee] will still continue to shine above us’’.
‘’I see her in my daughter Bailey. She is a busy, beautiful and loving soul just like my Ney,’’ Mrs Pepper said.
Those who spoke at the service also highlighted Ms Lenz’s larger than life personality and infectious smile.
Mrs Lenz said her daughter also lit up the room and was fiercely loyal to those lucky enough to be considered friends.
‘’A loyalty which seems to come from being a valley kid,’’ she said.
‘’Renee also holds the title of the first girl in the Kangaroo Valley Cubs … the rest of the girls joined the Girl Guides.’’
Ms Lenz worked as a teachers’ aide and plumber among many other jobs before she found her dream job as a hairdresser last year.
She also recently met her dream man, fiance Andrew Tugral.
On his way to the service Mr Tugrul was pulled over by police and fined $212 for riding a ‘’defect’’ bike but it didn’t stop him from his quest to say a final goodbye to his ‘’beautiful queen’’.
‘’I truly loved her. Not for the way she danced with my angels. But the way her voice silenced all my demons,’’ Mr Tugrul said.
‘’You have proven me right that you are an angel. You’ve grown your wings...it’s time to fly now. Goodbye my beautiful queen.’’
So sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts with the fiance and family.She has gained some beautiful wings. Im sure she will be dearly missed. Taylor, Albion Park
R.I.P beautiful. Anne, Fairy Meadow
R.I.P :( x Taylah, Mt Keira
Rip Renee you were starting your life then it was cut sort but you will forever be in the hearts and minds of the people who love you you are an angel now watching over your loved ones Courtney Jones, Dapto
Will miss your beautiful face. Love you always xoxo R.I.P Beautiful girl Sam Badgery, Exeter
To beautiful nea I will always remember growing up with you in the valley you are going to so missed you are always such a beautiful person. Amy, Nowra Hill
R.I.P. Taken way too soon. Prayers and thoughts to those who are grieving at this terrible time :( Dani and Deeh, Berkeley
RIP xx Tracey
rip beautiful Safa
R.I.P such devastating news. Taken way too soon heaven has gained another. may you lay to rest in heaven Lara
I am devastated. I am so sorry for your family and new fiancé. You were just starting a new chapter in your life and I was so happy for you. Love Lynda Blake Danielle and Brooke Lynda Shea/ Davis, North Nowra
Rest in peace Renee. A beautiful person taken way to soon xox Tamara Davies
You will be missed greatly Renee. My deepest sympathies to your family at this equally shocking and devestating time. Michelle, St Georges Basin
Rest in Peace ❤️ Nikita Hill, Unanderra
You had so much to look forward too , I'm so absolutely devasted that you have been taken from us at such an unbelievably happy time your life , Xo my old friend . Rest in paradise beautiful girl you will be in my heart for all time Heather Bridges, Nowra
Remembering the regular Sunday arvo catch ups with us for a quiet recovery sesh and your always happy and cheerful banter at the tav. Such an impact on our family that you became godmother to my grandson. Wish he could have grown to know you more. Such sad news, RIP Renee xx Troy Hill, Coffs Harbour
Such a beautiful soul 🌟 A little rocket at Louise Richmond Hair Design, I will miss seeing that smile. Ally Goldwell, Erskineville
Taken too soon, such a shock! Rest in paradise beautiful xxx Chloe, Luke Nowra
Rest in peace beautiful thoughts and prayers with fiancee, family and friends you will be greatly miss by so many❤❤ fly high beautiful xx Louise Graffi, Nowra
Fly high beautiful girl. Will remember all the fun times and long coffee catch ups fondly. Will miss you and will never forget you xoxo ❤ Narnie, Nowra
Another angel has her wings & taken too soon. Can't believe it. XxXx Leonie, Falls Creek
We are all still in shock. You were and will always be an amazing soul and sadly missed. RIP Renee xx Matty, 2541
Rip beautiful, you will forever be in our hearts! Jaime Godlewski & family, Nowra
RIP beautiful girl . Heaven has another beautiful angel Deanne Lenz, Flinders
Hey Andrew so sorry to hear bout your queen and believe me you were her king id never seen this girl so happy until she met you. Renee my lil plumber you will be sadly missed but never forgotten. R.I.P gorgeous girl xox Netta Sebbens, Worrigee
U will be sadly missed and forever in our hearts and memories taken way to young and just when u found happiness haven has a new angel R.I.P Renee my dear friend Smacka Southcoast
So sad . You were a beautiful person Renee . Much love to your family . Fly high sweetheart x kylie.. ex kv bakery bomaderry
Beautiful Fun Loving Caring You will be missed by many people who you touched their heart with friendship caring and love Rest easy chick xoxo Kathleen, Worrigee
My thoughts and prayers are with Andrew and his family and with Renee's family as they try to deal with such sadness... xoxo Karen, Bulli
So sad to hear of your passing Renee . So tragic when your life was shinning bright. always trying to better yourself. Sending love to your family. Amanda, North Nowra
You were my baby girl so strong happy loved the world miss you honey why you xxx angles will be with you Sheryl Webster, Shoalhaven Heads
RIP Nae xx Daniel Watson, Berry
RIP Renee Now spread them wings and fly beautiful xxx Jamie-Lee, Nowra
Just cannot believe it, such a beautiful woman taken too soon! Will miss your happy bubbly self dearly! X Montana, Nowra
Fly high sweet lady, you will be sadly missed. My love and thoughts are with your family. Jade, Berry
You were such an amazing person Nay, with such a beautiful soul. Love always Chris Ko and Dylan X Kobie Poole, North Nowra
Such a shock my your heart and soul rest in peace you were loved by so many people regards to love ones and xxx Arron Warr, 2541
So sad my thought and prayers go out to renee family at this time to young fly high renee you will be dearly missed by alot of people Kathy, Nowra
rest in peace my adopted niece love always and for ever jools , woodsy , skye , paige and krystal wood xxxxxxxx The Wood Family, Nowra
I didn't know you at all but a soul has left this earth to soon, may u watch over everyone u ever touched until u meet again...RIP xxxxx Audra, Shalvey
R.I.P beautiful, never meet you but was taken to soon rest easy will be missed ❤️ Zarah, Nowra
R.I.P. Renee taken way too soon thoughts with your family Drew, Nowra
Rip beautiful girl i didnt know u but my condolences to your family xxx Lyndal, Nowra
Rest in peace gorgeous girl! ❤️❤️ Jordańa Delorenzo, Canberra
I will miss you so much can't believe heaven took my angel I will never forget you I love you so much Lea and Henk, Nowra
Rest in Peace beautiful angel. They say only the good die young & seems in your case they are so right. Thinking of your family and friends at this hard time xx Gabbi Fisher, Albion Park
Rest in peace such a beautiful soul taken too soon my thoughts and prayer are with you family Victoria, 2541
Gone but never forgotten beautiful angel fly high my heart goes to your partner family and friends xxx rest in peace Ashleigh, Melbourne
I always looked up to Renee as a kid, thinking how I too wanted to be as 'grown up' as her. Rest in peace X Jamie, Kangaroo Valley
Condolences RIP Hollie, Thirroul
RIP beautiful your presence blessed so many and you touched so many hearts. Will miss you sis Xxx Another angel has grown its wings. Thoughts are with the family Toby & Nicole, Worrigee
My heart goes out to Mother Jacqualine, sisters and family. Such a sad ending for a beautiful girl. RIP xx Ian and Jacqui Szymoniczek, Kangaroo Valley
Ren was an extremely rare true beautiful soul Very sad news. Drew, Nowra
Rest in peace renee, you were a good chick and a hard worker. You will be missed. From the manildra boys, Bombaderry
RIP Renee can't believe it you had the best heart with the biggest smile always on your face you would do anything for anyone I'm going to miss not seeing you around RIP Darling girl xx Alicia Norman, Bombaderry
R.i.p renee, such a sad thing to come across in my news feed, sending my love to your family & friends. Emily, Newcastle
You will be missed by so many, such a terrible loss Hollie, Wagga Wagga
I am devastated. I am so sorry for your family and new fiancé. You were just starting a new chapter in your life and I was so happy for you. Love Lynda Blake Danielle and Brooke, Lynda Shea/ Davis, North Nowra
RIP Renee. My thoughts are with your family and friends. Fly high and may you rest in peace xx Jess King, Rockhampton
Rest in peace beautiful girl. Katrina, Chad, Matt and Harry Shelley, Newborough. Victoria
RIP Renee. My thoughts are with your family and friends. Fly high and may you rest in peace. Jess King, Rockhampton
Such a beautiful soul , taken way too soon. We will miss you And your happy smile so much. Shine bright darling girl xxx Liouise Richmond, Woronora Heights
RIP, thoughts are with your family and friends. Sharnie, Morwell
RIP my darlin girl, love you so so much. You will always be with us always. Mumma Trace and your brothers Jamie & Shai Xx forever in our hearts Tracy, Brisbane
So sorry to hear heaven has another angel Nic and Lindsay, Nowra
Rest in Peace beautiful angel. They say only the good die young & seems in your case they are so right. Thinking of your family and friends at this hard time xx Gabbi Fisher, Albion Park
I still can't believe what I have read. May you rest easy now beautiful. You are forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten xx love ya babe xx Lisa, Sanctuary Point
I, unfortunately did not get the chance to meet Renee, though knowing her beautiful Mother Jacqualine I can understand Renee's heart. My heart goes out to you Jaqualine and your family...I am deeply saddened by this news. Renee, your love will always shower over all who love you here on earth as will they're love for you....xxxx Michelle Palmer, Kangaroo Valley
Be at peace Renee. You're with the angels now. Forever you will be remembered. Elda
Rest easy hun. Jasmin, Bathurst
Rest in peace beautiful lady. I can't actually believe this has happened. I made you one big promise while you were here, and I will fight to the very end to make sure it happens. We've got this. Forever in our hearts, you may have taken a piece of us with you but we will always have a piece of you in everything we do. Kirra and Jayce North, Nowra
R.I.P such a young life taken prayers to the family she'll always be in your hearts. Jordan, Dapto
u will b forever in our hearts Renee. such an amazing girl. Always positive always happy. U will b missed but never forgotten. Love always Aunty lee, Troy Tara and bezz Lee Conder
R.I.P Renae fly high so sad u had to go way to soon way to young condolences to your fiance and family u will be truly missed. Aaron, Nowra
Thoughts to her caring family. You will be missed x Caiti, O'C Brogo
Rip Renee fly high gorgeous xxxx Jodie, Canberra
Jacqui, We are so very sorry for your loss. Lost for words. All our love. Sue & Greg Baker, Kangaroo Valley
RIP cant believe just speaking to you after you finished work on Saturday "saying take care, see you Tuesday" Love Greg and Adele Mandile, The Grayzing Point Cafe Grays Point
What a horrible tragedy and loss. My heart goes out to you Jac. Thinking of you and your family. Donna Killick (nee Parker), Falls Creek / Kangaroo Valley
Your light will shine in all the lives you left a mark on. Katie, 2519
RIP Renee, it would have been nice to catch up with now ill only have memory. Samantha, Mooroopna
Such a beautiful soul who finally found her true happiness. Such a sad loss my heart goes to renee's family and her fiancée. Naomi JB
Always in my heart, you will never be forgotten xxx Auntie Suzie xx Narooma
Well known top chick, hard worker and well liked at work. Will miss having the chats. Shrek (manildra), Worrigee
Rip beautiful. I’ll never forget the memories we shared together. Hope dan is looking after you up in heaven. Fly high gorgeous. Xox Chloe, Nowra
Dear Jac,Daz Sammi and Chloe OMG,So Sorry ,thinking of you all. LOVE FROM THE SELBYS. Kangaroo Valley