Family and friends pay respects to Amy Winehouse
(BANG) -
Amy Winehouse's funeral took place London today (26.07.11).
The life of the 'Rehab' singer - who died at her home in Camden, north London, on Saturday (26.07.11) following a suspected drink and drugs overdose - was remembered at a private Jewish ceremony at Edgwarebury Cemetery in London before her body was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium by her parents Mitch and Janis, brother Alex, boyfriend Reg Traviss, other family members and a host of close friends.
Among the mourners were Mark Ronson - who co-produced her worldwide hit album 'Back to Black' - and Kelly Osbourne who wore her hair in the style of Amy's trademark beehive in tribute to her.
During the service, Mitch read a moving eulogy to his daughter, who died at the age of just 27, which ended with the words "Goodnight, my angel, sleep tight. Mummy and daddy love you ever so much."
Amy's spokesman Chris Goodman said: "Mitch was funny, he told some great stories from childhood about how headstrong she was, and clearly the family and friends recognised the stories and laughed along.
"He stressed so many times she was happier now than she had ever been and he spoke about her boyfriend and said that they were very much looking forward to their future together. He paid tribute to a lot of people in her life.
"In the days before her death she told Mitch she was very happy, satisfied and content in her life. Janice was fine but she didn't do a eulogy."
The service - which was attended by 150 people - ended with the congregation singing Amy's favourite song, Carole King's 'So Far Away'.
Outside the cemetery, fans gathered together to pay their respects to the singer.
Joshua Burke, 18, from Brighton wore a crucifix and an Amy Winehouse T-shirt in tribute to his idol and insisted her death has been the "biggest tragedy" of his generation.
He told BANG Showbiz: "I've been here for hours. I want to show some respect, feel the atmosphere and feel what it's like here. I love her... This is the biggest tragedy of my generation. After here we're going to go to Camden and put down flowers, pay our respects. She was the best singer there was in my eyes or ever will be."
Marilyn Morrow - the wife of songwriter Geoff Morrow, who penned several songs for Elvis Presley, including 'A Little Bit of Green' and 'This is the Story' - went along for her sister who had struck up a friendship with Amy when they were both in hospital together.
She said: "Amy was in hospital with my late sister, so I'm coming for her more than anyone else. My sister adored Amy, but unfortunately she died of cancer last year. She was in hospital the same time as Amy."
Amy's family have said they plan to mix her ashes with the remains of her late grandmother, Cynthia, who the singer idolised.
Chris added: "Cremation is part of the family's tradition."
(C) BANG Media International
