Tearful mourners have paid their respects to late Absolutely Fabulous actress June Whitfield, who passed away in her sleep on December 29 2018.
The actress's co-stars Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley arrived at the church at All Hallows Church in Tillington, West Sussex to join the the star's family for the funeral.
The order of service for the funeral included a radiant photo of June, dressed in an animal print blouse and holding pink roses. It read: 'A celebration of the Life of June Rosemary Aitchison, 11th November 1925- 29th December 2018'. It also included a quote which read: 'Remember me with a smile'.
Heartfelt messages and flowers had been laid outside the church before the service which included a selection of Dame June's favourite music, including tunes by Gershwin and Porter sung by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole and Judy Garland.
After the service former co-star Joanna Lumley said she had to 'mop up' her make-up after shedding tears at the 'touching' funeral.
The order of service for June Rosemary Aitchison (pictured above) which had a quote printed on it which read 'Remember me with a smile'
The veteran actress's wicker coffin was carried, covered in vibrant pink, white and purple flowers, out of the church following the service
Dame June's Absolutely Fabulous co-stars Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders greeted other mourners after the service. Lumley, who played the hedonistic Patsy Stone in the BBC comedy carried a bag branded with the 2015 film version
Julia Sawalha (left), Joanna Lumley (right) and Jennifer Saunders (centre) pictured leaving the church after Joanna Lumley said she had to 'mop up her tears'
Actress Julia Sawalha (left) who played long-suffering Saffy in the comedy also paid her respects to her TV 'Gran' at the funeral in Sussex today
June Whitfield (pictured) died in December in her sleep. She was an English actress who got her first big break in the 1953 radio comedy Take It From Here
Speaking with a glass of Champagne in her hand at the celebration of Dame June's life in a marquee next to the church, the 72-year-old said: 'The service was just beautiful, the feeling in the church was more like a wedding than a funeral.
'June insisted it wasn't going to be all black and gloomy and the music was the best with Sinatra and Ella.
'The funeral was touching beyond words, funerals are always touching because the person is actually there and so many people have said they have the feeling she hasn't gone, her spirit was there, funny, generous and lovely.'
Jennifer Saunders, who also starred in the popular comedy, said: 'It was absolutely marvellous, which was so typical of June, perfectly judged, we all had happy tears of joy.
Her wicker coffin (pictured above) was carried out of the church following the service which took place earlier today
The flower-covered coffin was loaded onto a hearse after the church service, which Dame June's family said they wanted to be 'a celebration of her life'
Joanna Lumley (left), Julia Sawalha (centre) and Jennifer Saunders (right) were all smiles as they left the celebration of Dame June's life
Friends and family members including Julia Sawalha (pictured) gathered outside the church following the service
'She wanted people not to be miserable, she wanted to have a happy memory of her and ending with 'Everyone get happy'. It was perfect, it was so typical and beautiful and graceful and light.
'She had the lightest touch and the sun came out, which couldn't have been better. She was an amazing woman.'
Ab Fab co-star Julia Sawalha also praised Dame June's daughter Suzy and said how 'moving' it had been to hear memories from both her and comedian Roy Hudd.
'We try to stop the tears because June wouldn't have wanted us to cry but you can't help it.
'It doesn't feel like she has gone anywhere and I was extremely moved as she was taken out of the church to the music of Judy Garland - it was like she was dancing out of the church.
'That was the hardest bit to be happy because it made me feel so sad.
'It was perfect and everything she would have wanted, it was humble and beautifully glamorous.'
Other famous faces among the 300 mourners were actress Nerys Hughes and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth.
The three co-stars looked happy but teary-eyed after leaving the service which Joanna Lumley (right) said was 'moving'. (left and centre Julia Sawalha and Jennifer Saunders
The order of service featured an engagement photograph of Dame June with husband Tim Aitchison, who died in 2001
Speaking before the service, Dame June's daughter, Suzy Aitchison, who starred in Jam & Jerusalem, said: 'I am delighted so many people could be here, it's a lovely day and everyone has been so helpful and lovely.
'I think she would have been overwhelmed. We are trying to have a celebration of life, that is why we are so brightly dressed - Mum asked for us to wear bright, lovely attire.'
Other's in attendance included stars such as comedian and presenter Roy Hudd, writer Gyles Brandreth and Welsh actress Nerys Hughes.
Reverend Debbie Smith, who led the service, said: 'We are holding the balance between June as just a wonderful woman who was part of this community and contributed wonderfully, as well as having a public face as well.'
She told the congregation: 'She is remembered as an adorable, much-loved woman, known as a national treasure, a role model to many.'
Suzy Aitchison (left), daughter of June Whitfield, arrived at All Hallows Church in Tillington, West Sussex, for the funeral of her mother earlier today
Jennifer Saunders (left) arrived at All Hallows Church in Tillington, West Sussex, for the funeral of actress June Whitfield earlier this afternoon
Joanna Lumley (centre) and Julia Sawalha (left) arrived at All Hallows Church in Tillington, West Sussex for the funeral
Her wicker casket was covered in bright flowers and the poem She Is Gone by David Harkins was read by Dame June's granddaughter, Bianca Quinn, before a eulogy by Roy Hudd with whom Dame June appeared on radio for many years.
He said: 'She was that rare bird - a goody that looked magical. I had a 35-year course in comedy from the very best.'
This was followed by a eulogy by Ms Aitchison, referred to by her married name of Suzy Quinn, called Memories of Mum.
She said: 'Mum was not special, she was very special, not because she was super-talented and fantastic but in spite of it.
Joanna Lumley (left), June Whitfield (back left), Julia Sawalha (back right) and Jennifer Saunders (right) in a promotional photo for Absolutely Fabulous in 1992
Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders and June Whitfield in Absolutely Fabulous (pictured above). June had penned a book in 2000 entitled 'And June Whitfield' where she spoke about her experiences
June Whitfield (left) in Carry on Abroad with Kenneth Connor (right). The actress died peacefully in her sleep in December last year
Actors June Whitfield (left) and Terry Scott (right), pictured together in 1982, played the characters of Terry and June Medford in the sitcom Terry and June
She was known as lovely, approachable, kind, supporting, effervescent, funny and beautiful. Everyone loved her and she loved everyone.'
She added: 'I am just happy you passed away peacefully in your sleep, as you wanted, and now you are going to rest with Dad.
'You had the perfect end to your wonderful life, no-one could have written your final exit better, no-one could have written you better, you will always be much-loved, missed and unforgettable.'
The service concluded with the hymn Jerusalem and Get Happy sung by Judy Garland.
English writer, broadcaster and actor Gyles Brandreth (left) and welsh actress Nerys Hughes (right) were also in attendance
Comedia, actor and presenter Roy Hudd (left) and his wife Debbie arrived at the service and holding hands
Suzy (pictured left) read a eulogy called Memories of Mum where she said: 'Mum was not special, she was very special, not because she was super-talented and fantastic but in spite of it'
Jennifer Saunders (left) wore a black dress with royal blue flowers while Joanna Lumley (right) wore a big fur coat
The order of service featured an engagement photograph of Dame June with husband Tim Aitchison, who died in 2001.
Donations in Dame June's memory were requested for Age UK.
The Absolutely Fabulous star enjoyed a career stretching back to the 1940s, including roles in some of of the earliest Carry On films in the 1950s. She was best known for her work with comedian Terry Scott, co-starring in sitcoms Terry and June and Happy Ever After, where they played a husband and wife duo.
She was made a dame in the 2017 Birthday Honours for her services to drama and entertainment in a career spanning eight decades.
After the death of co-star Terry Scott in 1994 June went onto play Edina Monsoon's mother in Absolutely Fabulous, alongside well-loved supporting roles in Last Of The Summer Wine and The Green Green Grass.
She appeared in numerous Radio 4 productions during her career, and played Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.
Whitfield was awarded an OBE in 1985, followed by a CBE in 1998 and then a Damehood in 2017.
June Whitfield pictured left in a sketch from Tommy Cooper's television show 'Life With Cooper' in 1967 and right in 1955 when she starred in the film the Take it from Here
June Whitfield (left) with her daughter, Suzy Aitchison (right) , after being made a CBE in 1998. June wore a blue outfit with matching hat for the occasion
Queen Elizabeth II (left) with Lionel Blair (centre) and June Whitfield (right) in 2006 at a 'Living Legends' event
June's starring role in Absolutely Fabulous saw her play the dotty granny character and co-star Joanna Lumley, who is in attendance at the service today previously stated that it was 'tremendously sad' to have lost June.
'I will always be grateful that she agreed to be in Ab Fab and even more grateful that she became a dear friend.
'She lived and worked with extraordinary grace. Everything June did was perfectly measured. She was so loved and I will miss her hugely.'
Other tributes for the star had poured in after her death was announced in December, with controller of BBC Comedy Shane Allen having crowned June as the 'North Star of British comedy'.
He said: 'Her spectacular career is unparalleled in its longevity, with seven decades of being a key element in numerous high profile and successful shows.
'She was the go-to female comedy performer of her generation and was always in demand from the cream of British comedy.
'She led the way for female comedy and we owe her enormous respect.'
Actress Dame June Whitfield, pictured after receiving her damehood in November 2017, wearing a fuschia pink fascinator
Actress Dame June Whitfield - pictured in 2017 died at the age of 93 after an acting career stretching back to the 1940s
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Main photo article Tearful mourners have paid their respects to late Absolutely Fabulous actress June Whitfield, who passed away in her sleep on December 29 2018.
The actress’s co-stars Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley arrived at the church at All Hallows Church in Tillington, West Sussex to join the the ...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves Online news HienaLouca
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