Fond farewell for much-loved free spirit

A mourner carries a photo of Vanessa Pickering after the funeral in Christchurch Cathedral. Photo / Simon Baker

As a child, Vanessa Pickering wrote that she wanted to grow up to "make the headlines and be a star". The much-loved Christchurch mother made those headlines - but in the most tragic of circumstances.

Just as her brutal death became very public last week, so was her funeral yesterday.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Christchurch Cathedral to remember her as the loving mother of a 7-year-old daughter, an animal lover, a hard case, a free spirit and a "bit of a gypsy".

The Rev Lynda Patterson, leading the service, said it was a chance to fondly remember Ms Pickering, 27, but also to express grief and anger.

"No one should ever have to die like this. No one."

The funeral came about three hours after the man accused of Ms Pickering's murder, Malcolm George Chaston, 40, briefly appeared in the Christchurch District Court.

Ms Pickering's body was found on farmland near Christchurch after she disappeared last week. Her traumatised daughter was earlier found wandering alone in a paddock north of Christchurch.

Yesterday, mourners heard how Ms Pickering bravely gave birth to her daughter on her own on a Canterbury farm as her partner, Kaade, was rushing home.

The couple met on an army course in 2001, and both ended up being kicked off after being caught "fraternising" in the back of an army truck.

Brought up on farms throughout the country, Ms Pickering could do the work of "two or more fellas". She loved to ride horses and had two pet possums named T and B.

She was brought up to "stick up for herself and take no crap", said her mother Rachel.

To her daughter, she said: "Whatever happens, this I know: there will always be love and support as you still live on through my beautiful grand-daughter."

Ms Pickering's coffin was carried from Christchurch Cathedral to a haka performed outside, while a single white dove and balloons in her favourite colours of pink and purple were released into the sky.

Speaking on behalf of the family after the funeral, Robyn Hanson said Ms Pickering's daughter - her niece - had suffered a traumatic experience but had been very brave.

"Although the loss of Vanessa is so sad, we are all extremely fortunate to still have our little girl. We will treasure her forever."

A memory book would help ensure Ms Pickering remained alive in the thoughts of her daughter, Ms Hanson said.

The family had not given much thought to Chaston.

"I don't think our feelings or anger or anything would really help in that way."