Loss has once again touched the heart of Australian sport, reminding us how deeply personal stories sit behind the players we admire.

This week, the netball community is mourning one of its most cherished figures.

The Australian sporting world is united in grief following the heartbreaking news that Chris Browne, beloved mother of former Diamonds netball stars Kelsey and Madi Browne, has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

Her loss has sent ripples of sadness through the netball and football communities, as well as the wider Geelong region, where she was cherished not only as a devoted mum and wife but also as a passionate educator and friend.

Chris Browne’s final moments were spent surrounded by her loving family—her husband Mark, a former Geelong footballer, and her daughters Madi and Kelsey.

In a moving tribute shared on Sunday, the Browne sisters described their mum as 'our beautiful wife and mum [who] became our angel.' Their words painted a picture of a woman whose zest for life, boundless energy, and unwavering kindness touched everyone she met.

The mother of former Australian netball stars Madi and Kelsey Browne, Chris Browne, has died following a battle with cancer, with tributes flowing from the sporting and Geelong communities. Image source: @kelseybrowne_ / Instagram.

'Loved so dearly and already missed so deeply, we will never meet another Chris Browne,' they wrote. 'A lover of life who truly lived it to the fullest with unparalleled energy, passion and kindness. Mum was the backbone of the family with a spirit stronger and more resilient than anything. So strong we still and will always feel her right here.'

The outpouring of love and support from across Australia has been overwhelming.

The Browne family expressed their gratitude for the 'sheer amount of messages of love and concern and just how many people have wrapped their arms around our family,' highlighting just how far Chris’s impact reached.

'We love you Mum, ‘to the moon and back’ as you would say. You are the brightest light in our sky. Rest easy.'

Tributes have poured in from all corners of the sporting world. Kelsey’s partner, AFL star Luke Jackson, shared the sisters’ tribute with Tina Turner’s 'Simply the Best' playing in the background, writing: 'The most beautiful and kind person I’ve ever come across. Forever grateful I got to build a relationship with you and for how much you have helped me grow. I love your Wally! Love you Chris, Luke.'

Madi’s former teammate, Renae Ingles, summed up the sentiment of many: 'Chris made the world a better place.'

The Browne sisters have remembered their mum as the loving 'backbone of the family' and a vibrant presence who touched many lives with her kindness and energy. Image source: @kelseybrowne / Instagram.

Channel 7’s Abbey Holmes, Cats legend Joel Selwood, and Renee Enright, wife of Geelong great Corey Enright, all shared heartfelt messages, recalling Chris’s effervescent spirit, her generosity, and the pride she took in her family.

'Your mum lit up every room she entered, she was truly effervescent with the biggest heart,' Renee wrote. 'She had such a positive wonderful energy and she was so proud of you girls. She beamed when she spoke of her family.'

Diamonds star Jo Weston remembered Chris as 'a ray of sunshine' who 'always cared deeply for people,' while former Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander called her 'such a wonderful person and mum to all of us.'

In the wake of her passing, the Browne family has asked for donations to be made to Geelong cancer centres and hospitals in lieu of flowers, a testament to Chris’s selfless nature and her desire to help others.

At the time of writing, nearly $8,000 has already been raised in her honour.

Both Madi, 37, and Kelsey, 33, have transitioned into broadcast roles since their retirements from elite netball—Madi in 2020 and Kelsey earlier this year.

Their careers were nothing short of remarkable: Madi won two Liz Ellis Medals, the highest individual honour in Australian netball, while Kelsey proudly stepped into the Diamonds squad after her sister’s international retirement in 2018.

Their father, Mark, also boasts an impressive sporting pedigree, having played 87 VFL/AFL games for Geelong between 1974 and 1978.

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Key Takeaways

• The mother of former Australian netball stars Madi and Kelsey Browne, Chris Browne, has died following a battle with cancer, with tributes flowing from the sporting and Geelong communities.
• The Browne sisters have remembered their mum as the loving 'backbone of the family' and a vibrant presence who touched many lives with her kindness and energy.
• Many high-profile figures from netball, AFL and the local community have paid tribute, describing Chris as effervescent and always supportive of others.
• The family has encouraged donations to Geelong cancer centres and hospitals in lieu of flowers, with nearly $8000 raised so far in Chris Browne’s memory.

Have you experienced the loss of a loved one who was the heart and soul of your family? How did you find comfort and support during such a difficult time? We invite you to share your memories, tributes, and words of encouragement in the comments below.

 

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Vale Chris Taken too soon Condolences to her loved ones