With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, the Pan After community in Melbourne, Australia, is mourning the untimely loss of Tessa “Tess” Bell, a treasured staff member, beloved colleague, and dear friend who tragically passed away following a fatal accident this past week. Her passing has left an immense void in the lives of those who knew and worked alongside her.

A Shining Presence in Melbourne’s Creative Scene

Tess was more than an employee — she was the vibrant pulse of Pan After, a staple venue and cultural hub in Melbourne known for its artistic offerings and tight-knit community. Whether she was behind the scenes coordinating daily operations or greeting guests with her ever-present smile, Tess embodied warmth, professionalism, and a passion for people.

Her dedication to the Pan After mission was unmatched. Tess’s gentle leadership, collaborative spirit, and unshakable work ethic played a central role in cultivating the inclusive and welcoming environment the venue is so widely known for. Her kindness resonated through every corner of the space, creating connections with patrons and peers alike.

A Heartfelt Loss to All Who Knew Her

To her colleagues, Tess was family. To her friends, she was a light. And to everyone who crossed paths with her — she was unforgettable. Her sudden passing has sent waves of grief through the creative and hospitality communities in Melbourne, a testament to the countless lives she touched with her grace and generosity.

Described by those closest to her as “the kind of person who made you feel at home the moment you met her,” Tess’s presence was magnetic and deeply rooted in love and empathy. She listened more than she spoke, uplifted others without needing recognition, and created beauty in both her work and the way she lived.

A Life Remembered, A Legacy Honoured

Plans for a memorial gathering are currently underway, offering family, friends, co-workers, and members of the broader Melbourne community the opportunity to come together, reflect, and celebrate the life of someone who gave so much of herself to others. Details will be announced soon, with hopes of creating a space that honors Tess in the way she lived — full of compassion, music, memory, and connection.

Tess Bell is survived by a loving network of family and friends, and a legacy that stretches beyond borders. In every story shared, every tear shed, and every corner of Pan After she helped shape, her spirit lives on.

In Her Memory

While words will never be enough to express the pain of this loss, we hold on to the joy she brought, the lives she impacted, and the light she so effortlessly shared. The Pan After family and the wider Melbourne community send their deepest condolences to Tess’s family during this devastating time.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”

May Tessa “Tess” Bell’s memory be a blessing and may her light never fade.

Click here for full tribute and updates on the memorial gathering

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