Tuesday, July 26, 2011

'Goodnight my angel, sleep tight': Mitch Winehouse's emotional goodbye to daughter Amy as Kelly Osbourne and Mark Ronson join family for her funeral

By GEORGINA LITTLEJOHN and SARA NATHAN

Emotional goodbye: Amy's father Mitch Winehouse was consoled outside the Golders Green Crematorium in North London

Mitch Winehouse paid an emotional tribute to his daughter Amy today as her friends and family came together for her funeral.

Telling stories about her childhood and how happy she'd been recently, Mitch ended his eulogy telling his daughter: 'Goodnight, my angel. Sleep tight.'

Among those paying their respects to the tragic star - who died at her London home aged 27 on Saturday - was her entire family, friends Kelly Osbourne, Mark Ronson and her music 'family' including her backing singers and manager.


Mummy and Daddy love you ever so much: Amy's parents arrive at the crematorium after the funeral service


A convoy of black vehicles with tinted windows silently made its way inside the Edgwarebury Cemetery in north London this lunchtime for the private funeral service.

Amy's spokesman Chris Goodman said: 'Mitch was funny, he told some great stories from her childhood. It was a celebration. He stressed many times that she had been more content than she had been in years. Mitch paid tribute to a lot of people from Amy's life.'

Talking about her boyfriend, film director Reg Traviss, he added: 'Mitch said that they were very much looking forward to their future together.'


Sibling sorrow: Amy's brother Alex followed their parents into the crematorium

Alfie Ezikiel, 55, from London said that around 150 guests had attended Amy Winehouse's funeral.

He added: 'Mitch's last words to Amy in his eulogy were "Goodnight my angel. Sleep tight. Mummy and Daddy love you ever so much."

'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 started with prayers, they read a meditation, Mitch gave a eulogy and there were final prayers.

The last song that was played at the ceremony was Carole King's hit So Far Away which was Amy's favourite song.


2My darling: Amy's boyfriend Reg Traviss walks alone away from the service

Another guest said: 'Mitch said "Amy will be carried in peoples' hearts". There is such a big and strong community that will be looking after the family and Mitch is a very strong guy.'

Amy was then cremated at the Golders Green Crematorium in north London after the service.

Family spokesman Chris Goodman said only family members and close friends would be present and added: 'Cremation is part of the family's tradition.'

Shiva - the Jewish ceremony of bereavement - will be observed for two days starting at 5pm today at the Schinder Hall at Southgate Progressive Synagogue.


Saying goodbye: Kelly Osbourne - wearing a beehive in tribute to her friend - and friend Remi Nicole arrive at Amy Winehouse's funeral this afternoon

Kelly, one of Amy's best friends, had flown into the UK from Los Angeles as soon as she heard the news about her death.

Her face was solemn as she was driven into the cemetery and she appeared to have paid tribute to her friend by styling her hair in a beehive do, similar to Amy's trademark style.

Winehouse's bandmates, Zalon and Heshima Thompson, who were seen in tears outside her home yesterday, were also among the select group.


In mourning: Producer and DJ Mark Ronson made his way to the service on foot as did Amy's friend Nick Grimshaw

Her singer songwriter friend Remi Nicole, who was very close to the star, was in tears as she got out of her car and Amy's manager Raye Cosbert cut a solemn figure as he joined the funeral party.

Kelly hid her eyes behind large dark 50s-style sunglasses and clutched a white rose in her hands.

She was followed into the service by another of Amy's close friends, DJ and producer Mark Ronson, who looked deep in thought as he arrived on foot alone.

There was a heavy security presence outside the cemetery as guests made their way inside.

One person not attending today was Amy's ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who, according to sources, was refused compassionate leave from Armley Prison in Leeds.


Her final journey: More than 200 mourners came to say goodbye to Amy, who died at her home aged 27 on Saturday


Brave face: Dionne Bromfield, Amy's goddaughter, holds back her tears as she leaves the service


How did you know Amy? Kelly clutches a drink as she chats to fellow mourners outside the crematorium


Taking it all in: Following the funeral Amy's goddaughter Dionne Bromfield went to visit the shrine to the singer outside the north London home


For Amy: Hundreds of fans and friends of the singer had placed tributes, flowers, cards and even cans of beer and bottles of vodka outside her London home


Crowds: Fans of the late singer gathered in their hundreds outside the Golders Green Crematorium to pay their last respects


Celebrating her life: Friends and family gathered together at Southgate centre for Judaism to celebrate Amy's life


Remembering the good times: Amy's goddaughter Dionne Bromfield shared a joke with a friend as Amy's family and friends celebrated her life

source: dailymail

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