A large gathering of family, friends and work colleagues both past and present, assembled at the South Chappel of the Woronora Cemetery to mourn the passing and celebrate the life of long time Sharks Leagues Club employee Dianne Thompson.
Di began her Sharks career on a casual basis in 1995, before progressing to become Events Manager from 2010, helping to coordinate countless functions and events, included amongst them the many celebrations involved in the Sharks premiership winning season of 2016.
Departing the Sharks in 2019 when the Leagues Club closed its doors for the redevelopment and refurbishment which is currently taking place and moving towards a 2026 completion, Di then worked at the Woolooware Golf Club in a similar events role.
As at the Sharks, and acknowledged on the Woolooware Golf Club Facebook page, "Di was more than an employee, she was a part of the furniture."
At the funeral service held earlier today, current and former Sharks hospitality, admin and football club staff were a part of a crowd which filled the South Chapel, with more than 100-more spilling outside to watch the service on television screens and to pay their respects.
Eulogies were performed by Di's daughter Sam and son Luke.
"Mum faced cancer with incredible strength and grace," Sam expressed. "Even during her hardest days, she remained selfless, loving and deeply concerned for those around her."
Luke would follow in offering details of Di's life, including her marriage to Robert in 1991, the birth of her two children shortly after, to her early work life at the stock exchange and money market, her days playing competitive netball, the family's involvement with North Cronulla Surf Club and her support of the Sharks.
Di was aged 60 at her passing on December 17, and is survived by husband Robert and children Luke and Sam.
All at the Sharks, including the many who worked with and alongside Di, pass on their sincere condolences to her family and friends.
