At her funeral yesterday her father, Joe, recounted the time when Cass, as she liked to be known,  first started losing her long, dark hair because of  chemotherapy.

She told the oncologist her hair had fallen out in patches and the oncologist, in an attempt to lighten the situation, told her not to worry – the next round of chemotherapy would soon take care of the rest.

Brave young battler leaves legacy of love

She didn’t miss a beat, telling the good doctor, who was balding: ‘‘Well, at least my hair will grow back.’’

The anecdote brought a smile to the faces of the more than 500 people who gathered at St John’s Catholic Church in Dapto to bid the 19-year-old farewell on Thursday, and that is just what she would have wanted.

‘‘In true Cass style, we’re here today not to mourn but to celebrate – just as her life was a non-stop celebration,’’ Mr Nascimento told his daughter’s family, friends and supporters.

‘‘...She was the happiest, most carefree person I know.

‘‘She had such a zeal and passion for life.

‘‘She had an infectious smile that would light up the whole room – people who didn’t know her would want to meet her.’’

The proud father talked of a daughter who had battled brain cancer with bravery and who, in the midst of her own struggle, had continued to inspire and support others.

The former St Mary’s College student was an ambassador for the You Can campaign to establish youth cancer centres in Australia and regularly gave inspirational talks and took part in charity events.

‘‘She was actively involved in several charity organisations including You Can and Dr Charlie Teo’s Cure for Life Foundation,’’ Mr Nascimento said.

‘‘Even in August, when she was in her weakest state, she managed to walk five kilometres of the [Swisse] Color Run – she was a true fighter.’’

Cass died at home on Monday surrounded by her family and friends. A Facebook page ‘‘RIP Cass Nascimento’’ was set up by a friend in her honour and it has received more than 3200 supporters.

‘‘Cass was my hero and my inspiration, and we know she was an inspiration and was much loved by so many people over her life journey,’’ Mr Nascimento said in his eulogy.

‘‘We know she touched so many people’s lives – and the outpouring on social media this week has been overwhelming.’’

He thanked family and friends for their support, and gave special thanks to the Cure for Life foundation, which is trying to find a cure for brain cancer.

He also praised the doctors and nurses at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick and Wollongong Hospital and those who had visited their home to care for Cass.

‘‘We’d like to thank all of the doctors and nurses for their care, compassion and professionalism – without them we would not have had these three precious extra years,’’ he said.

In that time, he said Cass had ‘‘packed in a lot of living’’, holidaying in Hawaii, celebrating her grandmother’s 80th birthday, acting as maid of honour at her sister’s wedding and enjoying the first six months of her nephew’s life.

‘‘She fought with courage and determination – she never gave up, she never complained,’’ Mr Nascimento said. 

‘‘She always said she’d prefer a short happy life, than a long miserable one ... We love you, Cass.’’