Lilie James memorial: Emotions overflow as St Andrews Cathedral School water polo coach, 21, says goodbye – with loved ones making special gesture
The father of murdered water polo coach Lilie James has said he is so proud of his ‘independent, vibrant’ daughter who always lived life to the full – as she is said goodbye at a moving memorial service.
Friends, family and members of the school community were asked to wear bright colors during the service at Danebank Anglican School in Hurstville in Sydney’s south on Friday morning.
In a statement, Ms James’ father Jamie said the 21-year-old was a vibrant young woman who was ‘always on the go’.
‘In addition to working and studying, Lilie enjoyed coaching and playing water polo. She loved to dance,” he said.
‘Despite her busy schedule, she always made time for her brother Max, her friends and family.
“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.
“Lilie James, we are so proud of you and thank you for sharing a wonderful and busy 21 years together.”
A white hearse arrived at 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.
Relatives gathered in a private ceremony on Friday morning to say goodbye to water polo coach Lilie James
Mrs James’ father Jamie and brother Max were among the pallbearers
A mourner is seen wiping his eyes after Mrs James’ memorial ends
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 was a 2020 Danebank graduate before becoming a sports coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
NSW Premier Chris Minns also arrived to pay his respects, with as many as 500 mourners expected at the service. Lights were seen illuminating the foyer through which mourners walked.
The service ended shortly after 11.30am with Mrs James’ father and brother Max among the pallbearers.
Loved ones were seen comforting Mrs James’ parents and brother after the service before the coffin was led away for the funeral.
Mr Minns appeared emotional as he left the service, stopping briefly to talk to mourners.
The guests were also called upon to sign a book of condolence.
Mr Minns appeared emotional as he left the service, stopping briefly to talk to mourners
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
Friends, family and members of the school community will arrive at the memorial service Friday morning
As per the wishes of Mrs James’ family, the memorial service at Danebank was for friends and the school community only.
The service was streamed live to St Andrew’s Cathedral School so that students and teachers could watch 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 as mourners arrived for the service
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
The memorial was streamed live to St Andrew’s Cathedral School where Mrs James worked, where students were invited
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 Ms. James was a teacher that 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.
Mr Thijssen had called the police after beating the young woman to death before committing suicide.
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