A tin of paint brushes symbolising 11-year-old Elisa and 10-year-old Martin's love of art was placed at the altar of the Holy Name Catholic Church in Wahroonga for the family’s funeral on Monday.
The siblings, who were autistic, were found dead along with their parents Fernando Manrique, 44, and his wife Maria Claudia Lutz, 43, in their Davidson house a fortnight ago in what police believe was a murder-suicide.
Several members of the Manrique and Lutz families, who travelled from Colombia and the US last week, consoled each other throughout the service.
Both sides of the family released a statement, in which they said they admired the “unending commitment by both Maria and Fernando to the happiness of their children”.
“When we think about Maria Claudia in particular, we think about her love for her children… her resilience, her tenacity and her willingness to give herself for a community that considered her a champion for their cause."
Two wreaths, made with Australian and Colombian flora, were placed above the four coffins to symbolise the families who stood united in their grief, the mass was told.
The family statement said the couple had found a new home in Australia.
“Notwithstanding Fernando’s frequent trips that his job demanded, Maria and the children were never alone and never felt loneliness.
“The legacy that their lives in Australia left, is a legacy of loving and being loved, of caring for others and being cared for by those around them.”
They said they hoped the tragedy would raise awareness "of the enormous economic, social and psychological stresses that families of children with disabilities bear".
A hearse carrying coffins departs following the funeral for the Manrique family at the at the Holy Name Parish in Sydney. (AAP) Source: AAP
"Whilst science works day after day to comprehend all these different conditions, society cannot remain indifferent to the situations families bear, and needs to move and develop means to support them better," the statement said.
Elisa and Martin both attended St Lucy's School, which caters for children with disabilities, at Wahroonga on Sydney's upper north shore, where Maria was considered a "champion for their cause".
The local school community has been heartbroken by the tragedy, the school's acting principal Warren Hopley said, adding that students and staff were being counselled.
The order of service for the funeral for the Manrique family at the Holy Name Parish in Sydney on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016 Source: AAP
Mr Hopley said he admired the Lutz and Manrique families' compassion towards each other.
"This death hasn’t been caused by disability. But families do need a great deal of support when it comes to their children with intellectual disabilities.
“Every minute of every day is lots of work, looking after kids like this. But they're also beautiful children, with unique personalities like all of us. So as a society we need to understand and be better educated about the great wonders of these children."
Ms Lutz, Mr Manrique and their two children will be cremated in a private service before their remains are returned to Colombia.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
-With AAP
