Lilie James farewelled in emotional memorial service
Friends and family of Lilie James have honoured the 21-year-old water polo coach in an emotional memorial service.
The memorial was held at Danebank Anglican School in Hurstville in Sydney's south on Friday morning, with Lilie's loved ones making the sweet gesture at the service.
Friends, family and members of her school community at St Andrew's Cathedral school where she taught were asked to show up in bright colours, to remember Lilie fondly and celebrate her life, despite it being cut short.
In a statement, Ms James' father Jamie said the 21-year-old was a vibrant young woman who was "always on the go".
"On top of working and studying Lilie loved coaching and playing water polo. She loved to dance," he said.
"Even with her busy schedule, she always still made time to support her brother Max, her friends and family."
"We cannot thank the community enough for their thoughts, prayers, generosity and messages through this difficult time."
"From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for the many great memories we all share of Lilie."
He concluded, "Lilie James we are so proud of you and thank you for sharing a wonderful and jam-packed 21 years together."
Family and friends are gathering at a private service in Sydney's south this morning, to farewell Lilie James - who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend and colleague, at her workplace, last month. #9News pic.twitter.com/BXkRYdPkj1
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) November 17, 2023
A white hearse arrived at the school at 9:30am on Friday morning, as friends and family cried and embraced each other during the procession.
NSW Premier Chris Minns was also seen arriving to pay his respects, with as many as 500 mourners expected at the service.
As per the wishes of Ms James' family, the memorial at Danebank was for friends and the school community only, while the service was live-streamed into St Andrew's Cathedral School for students and teachers to view together.
Lilie James was working as an assistant water polo instructor for the elite inner-city school when she was found dead with horrific head injuries inside the campus gymnasium toilets on October 25th.
Image credits: Nine News