Vibrant and rebellious  journalist Rachael Bufton  was just 26 when the car she was driving hit a tree near Port Sorell.

Rachael was an intelligent and passionate writer, a lover of words and stories.

Exactly 20 years after she died, Rachael’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service this weekend.

But this will not be a sad occasion – it will be a chance to share stories, to laugh and to remember the young woman who was taken too soon, Tara said.

Tara said one of her favourite things to do as a child was to watch as her sister’s busy eyes darted back and forth across the pages of a book.

‘‘I used to love watching her read because she would read so quickly ... I loved watching her eyes as she read,’’ she said.

‘‘I just remember that protectiveness that I felt from her. I still feel protected by her, there’s a legacy there.

‘‘That loss is still there and it will never stop.’’

In 1991, Rachael began her working life as a cadet journalist at The Examiner.

It was there that she met her long-term partner Rick Eaves, who was a photojournalist at the time.

One of Rachael’s best friends, Jane Bennett, said that every day she thinks about her friend and the life she would have led.

‘‘She always knew what she wanted; she knew from a young age that she wanted to be a journalist, and her whole youth was targeted at that ambition,’’ Ms Bennett said.

‘‘Losing someone so young when they’re at the peak of opportunity is shocking for everybody.

‘‘It’s horrific for families and it’s horrific for friends because it’s so unexpected. This is a life cut short.’’

Rachael’s memorial will be held at 2pm on Saturday on The Esplanade, Hawley Beach.

Anyone who wishes to remember this talented writer and loving friend is welcome to attend.