A Heartbreaking Farewell
Catriona Rowntree, the beloved host of Getaway, recently shared the heartbreaking news that her older sister, Lucinda, has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. The 54-year-old television presenter broke the news in an emotional Instagram post, expressing her deep sorrow and admiration for her sister.
“I am heartbroken to share that my beautiful, big sister Lucinda, passed away today,” Catriona wrote. “Lucinda truly ‘threw kindness around like confetti’, everyone adored her.”
Lucinda was the apple of her parents’ eyes and went on to marry her first sweetheart, Johnno. Together, they traveled the world and Lucinda achieved her Teachers Degree before settling down to focus on her family of four children. All agree that she was the “world’s best Mum,” known for her talent with children and even having a gift store named after her beloved daughter Daisy.
Teaching became her focus in recent years, and her students all agree that they were blessed to have her in their lives. Throughout her health journey, the family experienced a lot of kindness from others, which they deeply appreciated.
Catriona encouraged her followers to support Dreasm2Live4 Australia, a charity that works tirelessly to make dreams come true for people with terminal cancer.
Updates on Lucinda’s Journey
Catriona first shared that Lucinda had been diagnosed with Stage Four cancer in 2023. In February 2024, she updated her followers that Lucinda was responding well to chemotherapy, and her doctors were happy with her progress.
“Lucinda is doing well. Very tired as she nears the end of her chemo, but the doctors are happy and results will be in this week,” Catriona told the Herald Sun.
Her daughter Katie just got engaged, and her other daughter Georgia has been asked by Blue Illusion to be in a shoot with Catriona’s mum celebrating three generations of women.
“Lots to look forward to … and live for,” Catriona shared.
In November 2023, Catriona revealed that Lucinda was “in the process” of beginning chemotherapy. She was on a trial from the US, and although there were great hopes, unfortunately, it hasn’t worked. “It’s not ‘no’, it’s just a ‘not yet’,” Catriona said.
In June, Lucinda commenced a trial treatment from the US, and Catriona confessed to the publication that she was “responding well.” “I think her doctors are feeling relieved to know that something is moving in the right direction regardless of the treatment that she’s on.”
In a previous Instagram post, Catriona visited Lucinda in Daylesford and said she was “doing well.”
A Bittersweet Birthday Post
The Getaway host first revealed her sister’s cancer diagnosis in a bittersweet post shared on Facebook. According to Catriona, the cancer is “apparently incurable” and has forced Lucinda to quit her job as a schoolteacher in the Upper North Shore suburb of West Pymble in Sydney.
“A bit of a personal post for me, today is my big sister Lucinda’s birthday, Lucinda is a true gem. Unlike me, growing up, Lucinda never caused my parents an ounce of worry,” the post began.
“We recently found out that Lucinda has Stage 4 Cancer, which is apparently incurable. I’m trying so hard to choose my words carefully here, other than to say a lot of tears have been shed – but Lucinda is fighting and positive. We all are,” Catriona wrote.
“She started chemo (sheer hell) and immunotherapy (our bright light) at Royal North Shore Hospital. Lucina is now unable to work as she commits to the fight of her life,” the post continued.
Her girlfriends have created a GoFundMe page to ease the household stress and Catriona asked her permission to share this with her followers.
According to the GoFundMe, Lucinda is a “much loved” member of her local community. “Her laughter lights up the room and we are keen to lighten the load and help with weekly bills to keep her comfortable in her home during this time,” the description read.
“We want to show Lucinda, we love her, and we are all with her.”
Despite the terminal prognosis, Lucinda is set to join a “new medical trial” that may be able to assist in the recovery of other cancer sufferers in the future.
The post concluded with a powerful message from the heart. “Trust me when I say to live your life to the absolute max,” Catriona wrote. “None of us knows what each moment holds for us and please say a little prayer for Lucinda tonight. Thankyou.”
