But on Monday, they also learnt about a Sally who was always last to leave a party, who loved chocolate brownies, and who had a very quick wit. They also heard about a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was meticulously organised, apart from one exception.

“When she knew she wouldn’t come home again, she realised she’d been too busy living life to organise her funeral,” best friend Mandy Kennedy said.

Still, hundreds of people attended Ms McLean’s moving yet often funny service at Ballarat Lodge on Monday after her death last week from cancer.

Ms McLean coached the Lake Wendouree Football Netball Club to five premierships, was named the Ballarat Football Netball League’s coach of the year five times and was the only female BFL Hall of Fame inductee.

Ms McLean’s sister Leigh Mahoney spoke about a studious student and a competitive sportswoman. “She loved Leo Sayer but I’m not sure if it was for his music or his similar hair do,” Ms Mahoney said

Another sister Anne Marks said Ms McLean never gave in to her illness until her final day. “She only allowed us to share her smile. Good times and good things happened when she was there,” Ms Marks said.

Friend Wendy Lang said Sally and husband Ray were a perfect match. “They loved people, they believed in living every day to the max and they were always there for their family and friends,” Ms Lang said.

Friend Maree Cullen said it was a wonder the pair became friends after meeting at the Donald netball club. “She took my position as centre and never gave it back,” Ms Cullen said. “Then she won all the awards too!”

Friend Marg Lee recalled a New Year’s Eve dress up party with a famous movie stars theme.

“(Sally) came in a shark onesie as Jaws,” Ms Lee said. “She was a true inspiration, loyal and full of love.”

Fellow Ballarat High School teacher Faith Scholten said Ms McLean was a “fun, firm but fair” teacher.

Lake Wendouree netballer Kara Hart said:  “Sal’s legacy of professionalism and fun will last at the club for a long time.”

McLean’s husband Ray said he was amazed by his wife’s bravery. “She was mentally tough and physically tough,” he said.