Lilie James memorial: Emotions overflow as St Andrews Cathedral School water polo coach, 21, says goodbye – with loved ones making special gesture
Relatives have gathered to say goodbye to water polo coach Lilie James in a private ceremony where mourners appear to have been asked to wear colors for the service.
Friends, family and members of the school community were seen in brightly colored outfits for the memorial service at Danebank Anglican School in Hurstville in Sydney’s south on Friday morning.
A police officer in a high-vis vest was also seen outside the school gate.
A white hearse was seen near the school just after 9:30 am. A white coffin decorated with flowers was carried in as loved ones hugged and students in a nearby classroom looked on.
NSW Premier Chris Minns also arrived to pay his respects, with as many as 500 mourners at the service.
Relatives gathered in a private ceremony on Friday morning to say goodbye to water polo coach Lilie James
A white hearse was seen near the school just after 9:30 am
The white coffin was decorated with red and pink flowers
NSW Premier Chris Minns and a staff member are seen at the memorial
Mourners can be seen at Mrs James’ memorial service on Friday
Friends, family and members of the school community were seen in brightly colored outfits for the memorial service at Danebank Anglican School in Hurstville in Sydney’s south on Friday morning.
Lovers are seen embracing outside the school as Mrs James was laid to rest
It is believed mourners have been asked to wear colors and not black at Mrs James’ memorial
Ms James’ family said in a statement that the 21-year-old was an “independent, vibrant young woman” who lived her life to the fullest.
‘In addition to working and studying, Lilie enjoyed coaching and playing water polo. She loved to dance. Despite her busy schedule, she always made time to support her brother Max, her friends and family,” the statement said.
“We cannot thank the community enough for their thoughts, prayers, generosity and messages during this difficult time.
‘From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for the many wonderful memories we all share of Lilie.
Emotional scenes were seen outside Danebank on Friday morning
As many as 500 guests came to the memorial to pay their respects to Mrs. James
“Lilie James, we are so proud of you and thank you for sharing a wonderful and busy 21 years together.”
Ms James, 21, was a 2020 Danebank graduate before becoming a sports coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
As per the wishes of Mrs James’ family, the memorial service at Danebank will be for friends and the school community only.
It will also be streamed live to St Andrew’s Cathedral School so students and teachers can watch it together.
Some students from St Andrew’s were also seen arriving at the memorial service in their uniforms.
Police were also seen outside the school gates
Some students from St Andrew’s Cathedral School were also seen arriving at the memorial service in their uniforms
Mourners were seen donning colorful outfits as they paid their respects to Mrs James
Ms James was working as an assistant water polo instructor for the elite inner-city school when she was found dead with horrific head injuries in the campus gymnasium toilets on October 25.
Students left flowers and heartfelt handwritten notes at St Andrew’s after Mrs James’ death.
The 21-year-old was described as a ‘coach like no other’, and a young woman with boundless energy and a heart full of kindness.
Others claimed that Mrs. James was a teacher whom any student could rely on to talk to “no matter what it was about.”
She was also described as an incredibly positive and supportive teacher who had a ‘significant impact’ on those she coached.
A day later, the body of 24-year-old Paul Thijssen, who also worked at the school, was recovered.
The pair had reportedly been dating for several weeks leading up to Ms James’ death.
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