Schoolmates Farewell Susan

Sun Herald

Sunday October 19, 2008

By SARAH PRICE

THE classmates of Susan Worrall formed a solemn guard of honour yesterday as her parents walked behind her hearse down a Sydney street - in mourning for one lost daughter and the other who is charged with her murder.

Methodist Ladies College (MLC) Burwood senior school students lined the street outside the school to farewell their friend.

Susan, 18, had been due to sit her final exams for the International Baccalaureate at the school, which she had attended for 13 years. But on October 10 her sister Kathleen, 21, allegedly stabbed her in the family's Strathfield home.

Parents Maureen and John Worrall, flanked by clergy and followed by family and friends, made the 300-metre journey along Rowley Street on foot. Earlier, they joined some 500 mourners in the school hall.

During the hour-long service, mourners heard that Susan was a bubbly, outgoing, quirky, intelligent and generous girl who would be remembered with much love.

Close friends took "precious objects" to Susan's coffin at the front of the hall: her school blazer and jersey, a computer tool kit, climbing ropes, her 2008 school chronicle, three ceramic teddy bears and a silver statue of a cat.

Prayers were offered to her family, including her parents and sister.

"The tragedy that ended Susan's life has broken our hearts as well," Reverend Punam Bent said.

"With you we rejoice in Susan's life, the kindness, the laughter, the strength.

"Today we grieve for a life so tragically cut short, for possibilities that will not now be realised, for dreams that will not now come true."

Mrs Worrall, supported by her husband, read a letter Susan had written to potential employers in her search for a Christmas holiday job before starting university next year.

During the family tribute she also described her daughter as having a bubbly, outgoing personality.

"Susan had a short life but it was a happy life," she said.

"It was filled with joy as she took on with great enthusiasm all that life had to offer.

"As parents, we are truly thankful for that. We will really miss her."

Close friends Heminee Dave and Lucy Wang also spoke of a popular and accomplished young woman who would be remembered with love.

© 2008 Sun Herald

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