SALLY McCanna loved life and it loved her right back.
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The 29-year-old with the beaming smile that could light up a room had her life tragically cut short last Friday when the car she was driving struck a tree near Tharbogang.
Sally's parents Paul and Robyn and her brother Steven have paid tribute to a charismatic young woman who lived her life to the fullest.
"She gave her all to her family and friends and if you were lucky enough to know her and be loved by her your life was truly blessed," proud parents Robyn and Paul said.
"In Sally's last hours she was still giving by being an organ donor, something that she was passionate about from the minute she could tick the box in her drivers licence.
"Four lucky people have been given the gift of life by her this week."
Born and raised in Griffith, Sally attended Griffith East Public School, Wade High School and then CSU Bathurst where she completed a degree in Human Movement.
In primary school she was an avid sportsperson representing the school in swimming, cross country, athletics, basketball, netball, softball, cricket and soccer. She won the 'Milani' in year six an award presented to someone who showed sporting excellence during their school life.
Her passion and prowess for all sports continued to grow at high school, while also proudly representing Griffith in basketball and touch football. She was awarded the Pierre De Coubertin award in year 12. She was also a member of the school debating team.
Her talent and enthusiasm on and off the basketball court was renowned in Griffith.
Sally was an Austswim instructor, working at pools in Whitton, Griffith and Bathurst. Adventurous and outgoing, she did bar work at Mount Panorama Hotel/Motel in Bathurst, The Griff Hotel, Exies Sports club, Hanwood Club and helped her good friend Adam Parsons out at the Carrathool Hotel. She enjoyed the opportunity to sing loudly while dancing on the bar after closing.
Her huge smile was a familiar sight at Thredbo where she worked five seasons as a chair lift operator (liftie). Sally also spent a season in Canada doing the same thing at Sunpeaks.
Sally's family will farewell her at a private service in Canberra today, following that she will be cremated at Norwood Park Crematorium.
Paul, Robyn and Steven and his partner Maria have asked that in lieu of flowers to their home or to the celebration of her life to take place at the Sporties on Friday, May 23 donations are made to Griffith Base Hospital or to the Snowy Hydro Care Flight. There will be a box at the club on the Friday. Those attending the farewell have been asked to wear the colour pink or something bright.