Little Coffins, The Australian, 10 May, 2009.

John Stapleton

FOR four-year-old Jake Aden Winter there was a little pale blue coffin with a beautifully painted wooden image of Bob the Builder attached to one end.

For three-year-old Kasey Rose Winter there was a pale pink coffin decorated with love-hearts, butterfly stickers and ``My Little Pony'' toys.

A sombre crowd of more than 700 people crammed the St Joseph's church at East Maitland yesterday for the joint funeral of the Winter family.

The family was found dead by a relative at their semi-rural home at Oakhampton Heights near Maitland in NSW eleven days ago. Police believe Mrs Sally Winter, 32, used a rifle to kill her children and her husband Stephen, also 32, before turning the gun on herself.

The families of both Mr and Mrs Winter had been very close and they appeared united in grief during the dignified service.

As the hymn ``Come As You Are'' played and the coffins were carried through to the front of the church Presiding Priest Father Brian Mascord asked everyone to stand ``as we give them back to Christ''.

As holy water was sprinkled on the four coffins Father Mascord intoned: ``In the waters of baptism Stephen, Sally, Jake and Kasey died with Christ and rose with him to new life.'' The congregation rejoined: ``May they now share eternal life with him in glory.'' Crucifixes, bibles and palls were ritualistically placed on the coffins, and Paschal candles, symbolising the resurrection, were lit.

A joint statement from the families was read out, detailing the lives of the family members. Stephen Winter's love of his grandparents farm as a boy, feeding cows, collecting eggs and trying to ride pigs was recorded, as was his occupation as a ``decent mechanic''. Mother Sally was described as a ``fun loving child'' who often organised the entertainment at family gatherings and determinedly pursued a career in nursing.

Father Mascot recalled how the two had met while still at school and ``shared a love of the outdoors'' which saw the pair taking trips out West, to the beach and to a family farm. He told of the birth of the children and how they were quickly taught ``the art of fishing and enjoyed many camping trips with their mom and dad''.

The statement recalled the family's  love of rural life, with the kangaroos that dotted their property coming to the backdoor to be fed by the kids. ``It didn't take much to see the light that shone through their eyes. They brought so much joy into our lives. They left us with so many happy memories, too many to reflect on today. They will live on in our hearts forever.''

A traditionally upbeat children's church song was also played: ``God loves you and I love you and that is the way it should be. You can be happy and I can be happy and that is the way it should be.''

The funeral service was followed by a private cremation and a wake.

Speaking to reporters outside the funeral investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Humphrey said his deepest sympathy went out to the family. He said police were ``very satisfied'' with the progress of their inquiries, although it could be some months before the investigation was finalised. ``It has been a horrible job from the start,'' he said.