First Lady of Water Skiing Mary McMillan honoured by family and friends

Mary was born on April 17, 1930 and passed away at the end of last month, February 27, 2020. She was 89-years-old.

Named the First Lady of Water Skiing, she began skiing at 30-years-old and quickly found a love for the sport.

Mary became well known throughout the skiing community, not just in the Hawkesbury, but across the entire country and even internationally.

Before you knew it, Mary was competing; barefoot, tricks, show and ski racing.

She was a pioneer, not knowing how to fail but only how to succeed.

She could seemingly make everything she did look effortless, despite everyone knowing how much hard work she put into everything she did.

Mary became the first woman in the world to barefoot backwards, a massive achievement.

Mary skied for the Queen at the opening of the Opera House in 1973 and won numerous state and Australian titles.

She made International appearances in many countries representing Australian and State teams.

She is the current record holder for the 80 Mile Adriatic Sea Crossing.

Mary always raced locally, competing in 50 consecutive Bridge to Bridge Classics along the Hawkesbury River, with her final appearance in the race at the age of 82-years-old.

This is a record that Mary was always proud of and an achievement that will likely not be broken.

She would often look to get out on the water with her family; her husband Ron, and children David, Bobbette and Brock.

And in recent years if she had the chance with her granddaughter Nellie.

She was affectionately known as "The Queen of the River".

With family and friends, along with members of the local and skiing community in attendance on Friday at St Monica's, Mary wonderful life was honoured well.