FIREFIGHTERS have lined up in tribute to a mother following a brave fight against motor neuron disease.
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The Albury funeral home was packed with hundreds of mourners for Tonia Oswald-Sealy on Friday.
The 46-year-old mother-of-one died last Saturday after being diagnosed with the debilitating disease in October 2013.
In a letter written before her death and read to the estimated 300 to 400 attendees, Ms Oswald-Sealy said she knew her daughter Jess was in good hands.
“Thank you, I know she will be looked after.”
Ms Oswald-Sealy said the best days of her life had been spent outdoors, watching a fire burn while camping or listening to rain falling on her tent.
She told the attendees at the John Hossack funeral home she had had a remarkable life “full of adventure” and encouraged people to do what they loved.
Her casket was covered with images of the snowfields where she spent much of her free time camping, hiking and snowboarding during an active life.
Her daughter, four, held a balloon in her memory as the casket was led out.
About 60 firefighters formed a guard of honour for Ms Oswald-Sealy as fire trucks and police cars blocked off Wilson Street.
Ms Oswald-Sealy was the first female firefighter to be stationed in regional NSW back in 2003.
She grew up in Sydney and moved to Albury to attend Charles Sturt University.
She liked the area so much she decided to stay, and married fellow firefighter James Browne in 2010.
Funeral attendees heard how her motor neuron disease diagnosis had changed many lives, but Ms Oswald-Sealy remained a doting mother until the very end.
Mourners were invited to donate money to support research into motor neuron disease.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jim Hamilton said Friday was “indeed a very sad day for us all”.
“You will always be remembered by the broader Fire and Rescue NSW family,” he said.
“Thanks for a life well lived … and for the legacy you have left us.”
A long-time friend told the service “Ton” had been adventurous with boundless energy, and had made the most of her life.
“Despite not having Ton with you physically, she (is) with you in spirit,” she said.
“She didn't lose her fight to MND, I think to think she won.
"She's now free from its clutches.”
The friend urged people to keep her spirit alive.
