Jay Marmont's daughter's amazing smile remembered at farewell

By Brett Cox
Updated November 5 2012 - 11:25pm, first published November 9 2009 - 10:06am
Jay Marmont carries the coffin bearing his daughter Lila, who was farewelled by family and friends yesterday. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
Jay Marmont carries the coffin bearing his daughter Lila, who was farewelled by family and friends yesterday. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI

Surrounded by soft purple elephant toys, big cuddly teddy bears, colourful flowers and a whole lot of love, the seven-month-old daughter of Wollongong motocross champion Jay Marmont was farewelled at a service in Bulli yesterday.Her small, delicate white coffin was carried from the ceremony in her father's arms, as hundreds of family and friends watched on and mourned a life cut so short. Lila died after succumbing to a white blood cell disease on Thursday, two days before Marmont won the Canberra round of the Super X Series and dedicated the achievement to his little girl.

  • Jay Marmont wins for lost daughter
  • Marmont mourns death of daughterIn an open letter to Lila Emma, Marmont and wife Abby recalled their daughter's crimson lips, amazing smile and chubby limbs."Thank you for coming into our life and teaching us how to love with every part of our hearts," they said. "We would have done anything in this world for you to be happy, comfortable, safe and loved. Please wait for us wherever you are." Reverend Gordon Bradbery, who wore a gown decorated with small colourful butterflies, said there were "no words adequate for an occasion like this - but I bring you the best I can find"."In her tiny form, Lila brought out the best in so many people," he said, turning to her parents."She could not have had better parents - you have done a remarkable job. You gave your child the best."Guests at the funeral included former Australian motocross champion Craig Anderson.Mourners spilled out of the small chapel at Parsons Funeral Home. Lila was buried at Scarborough Cemetery. Donations were collected for Wollongong Hospital's children's ward.
  • Subscribe now for unlimited access.

    $0/

    (min cost $0)

    or signup to continue reading

    See subscription options

    Get the latest Wollongong news in your inbox

    Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

    We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.