LILIE JAMES TRAGEDY 'SHE WAS SO SPECIAL'

Her family remembers the vivacious, much-loved woman

- Lizzie Wilson, Maisy Rae

Murdered Sydney school sports coach Lilie James was the apple of her grandmother's eye.

Sharing their very special bond, heartbroken Barbara Adelt says she'll never forget her beloved granddaughter who, at just 21, had her young life senselessly cut short when her ex-boyfriend bludgeoned her to death.

And as Lilie's dad Jamie, mum Peta and brother Max grapple with the sudden loss of their daughter - who they describe as a "vibrant, outgoing" person who was "very much loved" by those around her - Barbara has taken it upon herself on behalf of the family to publicly thank everyone for their support.

LOVED & ADORED

Speaking just days after Lilie's body was discovered in the gym bathroom of Sydney's private St Andrew's Cathedral School, where she worked, the proud grandma recalls the little girl she so adored, who will always have a special place in her heart and who was "the most loyal person".

Known as "Grams" to Lilie, Barbara shared, "I've been remembering the day she was born - bright as a button coming out and never stopped since then... She just kept learning and having fun. She had a lot of fun, Lilie, and she was so kind."

The discovery of Lilie's bludgeoned body at the school where she'd been coaching water polo and netball for the past two years is a crime that has left Australia reeling.

It's understood she'd ended a five-week relationship with colleague Paul Thijssen, 24, in the days before she was killed.