CLOUDS of pink balloons filled the sky above St Mark's Anglican Church in Warwick yesterday, as hundreds gathered to farewell Narelle Pails.

With pink being the devoted mother and popular local nurse's favourite colour, the balloons were released as Narelle's funeral service drew to a close, including by dozens of her nursing colleagues who formed a guard of honour outside the church.

A crowd of around 800 people filled St Mark's and spilled into the grounds outside, united by grief at Narelle's sudden loss late last week, when she received a snake bite while tending her beloved garden at Wheatvale.

But yesterday was also a time to celebrate the all-too-short life of a woman universally adored and admired by her large family, her many friends and her colleagues from Warwick Hospital, who formed a huge contingent at the service.

After the church organ rang with the opening hymn, "Here I Am Lord", daughter Emma, 18, and son Nicholas, 15, spoke movingly of their "hero" mum, who never failed to encourage them in their endeavours and to revel in their achievements.

In their own words, they affirmed the part Narelle played in making them the people they are today, as well as the certainty that their mother will watch over them always.

Nephew Robert Stewart told of a young Narelle, growing up as the youngest of six children on the family dairy farm at Sladevale and blossoming into a keen sports participant, riding her bike into Warwick daily to play netball ...

After finishing school, she initially embarked on a hairdressing career but not long after found her real calling, in 1988, in nursing.

It was a field in which one of her many finest qualities - that of giving of herself to care for others - was allowed to truly shine.

Narelle met husband Paul at the Warwick Rodeo in 1987 and they married in May 1989, moving several times early in their marriage before eventually settling at Wheatvale.

Emma was born to the couple in August 1993 and Nicholas in October 1996, with Mr Stewart describing his loved aunt as "the rock of the family, a devoted and loving mother and extremely proud of her children's achievements".

"Especially when Emma graduated year 12 and was accepted into university and Nic with all his sporting achievements," he said.

Those gathered at St Mark's were also reminded of Narelle's community involvement, including being Pony Club and swimming club secretary, along with helping Wheatvale State School P&C.

Mr Stewart also spoke of Narelle's love of cooking and fashion, along with her animals, even painting her dog Max's toenails - pink, of course - just a fortnight ago.

"Narelle was an inspiration," he said.

"One of her achievements that stood out was a few years ago when she started a university degree at USQ.

"Not only was she doing her degree, she was a full-time worker, a wife and a mother.

"Some people thought that only doing the degree was hard but Narelle passed with flying colours."

After communion and a final blessing Narelle's coffin, adorned with her nurse's uniform, was escorted from St Mark's by pallbearers Cliff Shelley, Neil Shelley, Marcus Stewart, Glenn Eastwell, Timothy Eastwell and Matthew Millar. Local piper Doug Cutmore led the way with a rendition of "Amazing Grace".

Narelle was then laid to rest at Eden Gardens.