Lilie’s final goodbye: Private service to celebrate the life of water polo coach – that was tragically ended by fellow staff member
Students and staff gather to say goodbye to slain water polo coach Lilie James at a private memorial in Sydney on Friday
The 21-year-old’s former school, Danebank Anglican School for Girls in Hurstville, where she graduated in 2020, will host the commemoration.
It will also be streamed live to St Andrew’s Cathedral School so students and teachers can watch it together.
As per the wishes of Mrs James’ family, the memorial service will be held privately, with only her friends and the school community invited.
Family and friends say goodbye to beloved water polo coach Lile James (photo) on Friday.
The memorial service will be streamed live to St Andrew’s Cathedral School (pictured)
Ms James worked as an assistant water polo instructor for the elite inner-city school and was found dead with horrific head injuries in the campus gymnasium toilets on October 25.
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.
Julie McGonigle, head of school at St Andrew’s, said at the time that the events had left the school community in total confusion as they knew both Ms James and Mr Thijssen.
“Our beautiful Mrs. James, a ray of light, and Mr. Thijssen, whose actions are completely at odds with who we knew,” she said.
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Lily James