Hundreds of guests flock to Botanic Gardens to farewell Bondi massacre victim Jade Young

Loved ones have filed into Sydney’s Botanic Gardens ahead of a memorial for a mother-of-two killed in a stabbing attack in Bondi.

Hundreds have arrived at the memorial of an acclaimed architect and mother-of-two who was killed in the Bondi massacre.

Jade Young, 47, was one of six people killed when Joel Cauchi went on a violent stabbing rampage at Bondi Junction Westfield on April 13.

About 400 people are expected to honour her life at a public memorial in the Calyx at Sydney’s Botanic Gardens at 11am on Tuesday.

Jade Young, 47, was killed on April 13 during a stabbing attack in Bondi. Picture: Facebook

Friends, family and mourners arrive for the service at the Calyx at the Botanic Gardens. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

The Calyx in the Botanic Gardens. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Mourners were encouraged to wear colourful clothing “in memory of Jade”, and the sea of bright dresses and coloured dress shirts was testament to her wishes being fulfilled.

“Dearly loved and irreplaceable wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and beloved friend to many,” her obituary read.

“Taken too soon. Forever in our hearts.”

Loved ones embrace. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Uniformed police officer at the service. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

In a statement issued by the family on Tuesday morning, they said her death has “shattered our world”.

“While we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and the community, Jade’s death has left a gaping hole in our lives,” the statement said. “Her children were her life, and we do not want their future to be shaped by her death.”A GoFundMe page has raised more than $235,000 to provide the family with some financial support while they grieve her death.

Guests were asked to wear colour in honour of Ms Young. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

About 400 people are expected to be in attendance. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Loved ones carry bouquets to the service. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Loved ones on their way to the merial service. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Attendees wore colour in honour of Jade. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Loved ones wear colour in honour of Jade. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Her friend Nicole Roma said she was a “special soul” who “touched so many lives”.

Earlier on Tuesday, about 200 surfers paddled out beyond the surf of Bondi Beach for a moment in silence in honour of the six victims.

The ring of boards set a poignant scene on the famous beachfront as locals began their day.

The architectural firm where Ms Young worked for more than a decade Georgina Wilson Associates paid tribute to her on their Instagram page.

Jade Young is remembered as a “special soul”. Picture: GoFundMe

“I can’t even believe I am writing this, it doesn’t feel real. Jade was part of our GWA team for over 12 years. She was family,” the post said.

“Anyone who knew Jade knew what a beautiful, kind and warm soul she was.

“We are completely devastated. All our love goes out to her family. We love you Jade.”

The five other victims of the stabbing attack include Dr Ashlee Good,38, Dawn Singleton, 25, Cheng Yixuan, 27, Pikria Darchia, 55 and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30.

Another 12 people were stabbed during the attack, with at least four still recovering in hospital.