The husband of late TV star Mel Schilling has shared deeply emotional details from her private funeral, revealing a series of poignant moments that captured the love she left behind.
Gareth Brisbane, who was married to Mel for eight years, opened up about the intimate ceremony held on April 9 following her death at the age of 54 after a long battle with cancer. The beloved relationship expert, known for her role on Married At First Sight, left behind her husband and their 10-year-old daughter Maddie.
In a touching tribute, Gareth revealed that their daughter delivered a speech that left everyone moved. He shared that Maddie had decided on the very morning of the funeral to write something herself — and delivered it “beautifully,” adding that she was “every inch her mother’s daughter” and that he “couldn’t be prouder.”
The ceremony, attended by close family and friends, was livestreamed so Mel’s loved ones in Australia could be part of the farewell. But perhaps the most symbolic moment came days later.
Honouring Mel’s final wishes, Gareth and Maddie travelled to Whitehead, where they scattered her ashes near a lighthouse in his hometown — a place Mel had come to cherish deeply. Gareth described it as somewhere “strangers say hello as you pass,” adding that it would now remain a place for reflection on their 15 years together.
Sharing his gratitude publicly, Gareth wrote that the outpouring of love since Mel’s passing had given both him and Maddie immense strength, saying they had been comforted by just how deeply she was loved.
Looking ahead, he revealed that he and Maddie will soon return to Bali, where they plan to begin a new chapter in their lives — a place he described as perfect for healing, surrounded by close friends who had already held a blessing ceremony in Mel’s honour at their villa.
He also shared the photo chosen for her funeral — an image of Mel dressed in white, which he said perfectly captured her essence: “equal parts glam, warmth and vulnerability.”
Mel’s passing came just days after she revealed her cancer had spread to her brain. Originally diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, she later shared that it had spread to her lungs in 2024 before further progression.
In a previous statement announcing her death, Gareth revealed one final, powerful moment that has stayed with him. He said that in her last moments, despite being unable to speak, Mel gathered her remaining strength to whisper a message to him and Maddie — a gesture he said defined her completely.
He described her as a woman who became both a mother and a TV star at 42 and “nailed both,” praising her strength through years of chemotherapy, noting she “never complained” and continued to show courage, grace and compassion even during the toughest times.
To the world, she was a TV icon. But to her family, she was simply “our wee Melsie” — a devoted mother, partner, and guiding light whose legacy now lives on through those she loved most.
