Two weeks after actor Treat Williams’ death, new details and photos have emerged from the private memorial service held for him in Vermont on June 20, 2023. Williams, whose acting career included starring in all six seasons of the Hallmark Channel series “Chesapeake Shores” and several movies on the network, died on June 12 in a motorcycle crash minutes from his home in Vermont, per WAMC Public Radio. He was 71.

Five days after the memorial, which was first reported by People, Williams’ wife, Pamela Van Sant, marked their 35th wedding anniversary on June 25 by sharing favorite memories from their marriage on social media, just as her husband used to do to honor her. Here’s what you need to know:

Treat Williams Remembered at Private Memorial Service

On June 19, according to People, Van Sant, 68, was joined by her and Williams’ grown children — — Gill, 31, and Ellie, 25 — and an “intimate” group of loved ones for a private memorial at their farmhouse in Manchester, Vermont, where the couple has lived for many years.

But the service was not as small as first intimated. On June 25, Williams’ longtime agent Barry McPherson posted photos from the memorial service on Instagram, revealing further details about the gathering. White folding chairs were set up in front of a small cottage on Williams’ sprawling property, which he frequently posted photos of on his Instagram feed.

In fact, Williams posted a picture of the cottage on June 10, just two days before his death, and wrote, “Home. Now.” When someone commented that it looked like a guest house, Williams replied, “It’s simple but nice.”

For the memorial service, the tiny deck that typically just holds two rocking chairs served as a stage for those paying homage to Williams. They set up a microphone stand and sound amp, added vases and baskets full of pink peonies, and a large statue of an angel.

McPherson, who wrote in a tribute to Williams on the day of his death that he’d been his agent for 16 years, also shared photos of the lush green grounds on the family’s property, with a large white tent set up to protect tables of refreshments and shared memories.

Outside the tent, guests could sit or stand at round tables covered in white linens, with flowers and boxes of tissue as the centerpieces. There were also tiki torches and silver standalone bonfire stands, likely available for the evening hours.

In his post, McPherson wrote, “It has been a week of so many emotions. A lot of sadness with the memorial for Treat Williams in Vermont. So much love and appreciation for his work. But more importantly for the man himself. Such a terrible loss for our community and his wonderful family.”

Dina Janis, former artistic director of the Dorset Theatre Festival, told the Batteboro Reformer, “He was so happy with his house, and his life, and his wife, and his kids. And Pam is one of the most beautiful and generous people I know. It’s absolutely tragic.”

People reported that the following day, June 20, Williams was laid to rest in a private funeral.

Pamela Van Sant Shares Photo Memories of Late Husband Treat Williams

GettyActor Treat Williams (R) and wife Pam Van Sant attend the 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2004

Days after the memorial and funeral for Williams, Van Sant had to face her first special occasion without her husband by her side. Although she has a private Instagram account, she posted memories in her late husband’s public Instagram Stories on June 25, the date of their 35th anniversary, sharing multiple photos of treasured times they had together.

Over a photo of the couple on their 1998 wedding day, she wrote, “Happy anniversary honey! 35 years.”

Van Sant also shared a more recent photo of them bundled up in the snow, a press photo taken of them at a red carpet event, a throwback picture of her sitting in his lap next to a Christmas tree, a current photo of them smiling on their Vermont land with their lapdog Woody, and a framed photo of them in 1999 dressed in ornate costumes over which Van Sant wrote, “1st anniversary on location in Bali.”

Her notes and throwback photos to mark their anniversary mirrored one of the ways Williams frequently paid tribute to her, posting sweet notes and favorite photos of her on Instagram for anniversaries, birthdays, and sometimes just because he was thinking about her.

In February, Williams posted a throwback photo of them with their kids when they were young. He wrote, “Happy Birthday to Pam. @pamelaberyl11 You are the love of my life. What joy you have given us. More adventures to come! 🥰❤️🙏”

Van Sant replied, “AWW Thank you honey. Love you and our family and looking forward to so much more adventures and fun together!!”

On their 34th anniversary in 2022, Williams shared a photo of them goofing around as a young couple on a summer day and wrote, “Happy Anniversary to my best friend and love of my life. I love you Pam❤️❤️❤️”

On their anniversary in 2021, Williams was away filming “Chesapeake Shores” and shared a video of the lakeside setting. But he didn’t forget the special occasion, writing, “What I do on my 33rd anniversary? Call my wife. Then chill”

The family of beloved actor Treat Williams, who starred in Hallmark Channel‘s popular series “Chesapeake Shores” for six seasons and multiple Hallmark movies, held a private memorial service for the star on June 19, 2023, according to Us Weekly, and was laid to rest on the morning of June 20th during a private funeral, per People.

On June 12, Williams died after his motorcycle collided with a turning car he couldn’t avoid, according to WAMC Public Radio. The Vermont State Police Department said that Williams suffered “critical injuries” in the accident, the outlet reported, and was treated at the scene before being airlifted to a New York hospital where he died hours later. A witness and friend at the site of the crash told reporters Williams was alert and answering questions shortly after the crash.

According to Us Weekly, his memorial service was held in Vermont, where Williams lived on a sprawling ranch. The “intimate” gathering included his wife, Pamela Van Sant, and their grown kids Gill Williams, 31, and Elinor “Ellie” Williams, 25. In social media posts over the past week, Van Sant has shared several poignant memories and also announced that a more public memorial service is in the works.

Treat Williams’ Wife Shares Poignant Memories & Gratitude for Her Late Husband

On June 25, Williams and Van Sant would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. The actor often posted photos of and sweet tributes to his wife. On March 8, for example, he shared a throwback photo of her on Instagram for International Women’s Day and wrote, “Happy Woman’s day to my girl for life ❤️❤️❤️”

The night after Williams’ death, Van Sant shared a Facebook memory from exactly one year prior featuring a photo of the moon shimmering over a field and trees. It was captioned “Moonlight in Vermont.”

Van Sant wrote, “Thank you Treat for sending me this memory. We love you and miss you so much. ❤️🌕✨”

In a post on June 16, she shared how grateful she was for the outpouring of support she and her family had received in the days since Williams’ death and said a “larger memorial” will eventually take place. Her words were part of a post in which she shared another photo memory, which was only visible only to her private Facebook friends. She alluded to the picture being on a day Williams, an avid pilot, flew them along California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

“Our last amazing flight down the PCH,” Van Sant wrote in her post. “My amazing private Top Gun. The most loving husband, father, and friend to all.”

She continued, “Please know the kids and I feel the enormous outpouring of love from our beautiful community that Treat loved so much. He was always happiest here on the ‘farm’ with us in his beloved Vermont.” We will let you know when we can plan a larger memorial to honor Treat where everyone will be welcome. Thank you. Love, Pam, Gill, Ellie “

Van Sant also shared a private family photo via Facebook on June 19 and wrote, “Grateful for this family memory that just came up. We love you Treat now and forever”

Treat Williams’ Daughter Posts Tribute on Father’s Day

Williams and Van Sant’s daughter Ellie, who lives in Los Angeles, has posted her own social media tributes to her dad, expressing her shock and grief over his sudden death.

On June 14, she posted a series of photos in her Instagram Stories, including an image of a satin jacket with her father’s name embroidered on it. She then posted a picture of her parents in which her mom was resting her head on Williams’ shoulder.

Over the image, she wrote, “This is a pain I have never felt. I am absolutely shattered. Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and kept our family in your hearts during this terrible heartbreak.”

On Father’s Day, June 18, Ellie shared two more throwback photos in her Instagram Stories, captured by Page Six. The first showed Williams as a young dad with her when she was a toddler. She wrote over the image, “I love you, Dad. I miss you.”

She then uploaded a photo of her dad smiling while posing on one of his tractors on their Vermont land. She wrote, “I took this picture of my pops when I was in college. He’s so handsome.”

Shortly after Williams’ death, the family issued a public statement, per USA Today.

“As you can imagine, we are shocked and greatly bereaved at this time,” the statement read. “Treat was full of love for his family, for his life and for his craft, and was truly at the top of his game in all of it. It is all so shocking right now, but please know that Treat was dearly and deeply loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him. We are beyond devastated and ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with our grief. To all his fans, please know that Treat appreciated all of you and please continue to keep him in your hearts and prayers.”

When “American Idol” star Willie Spence was tragically killed in a car accident on October 11, 2022, the 23-year-old was on his way to volunteer with a favorite charity, Frontline Response in Atlanta, and was looking forward to being the surprise entertainer at their upcoming gala with former football star Tim Tebow. The fundraising event will go on without Spence, but the organization is now helping to coordinate a public memorial for the gospel singer to be held two days later.

Willie Spence Was On His Way to Volunteer With Charity

ABC / YouTubeWillie Spence performs on “American Idol” in 2021

 Around 4 pm on October 11, Spence’s Jeep collided with a parked tractor-trailer along a highway in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The singer, whom the Spence family called their “gentle giant” in a statement, died of his injuries at the scene. The driver of the truck was unharmed.

Publicist Robin Derryberry, who works with Frontline Response and is assisting Spence’s family, confirmed to Heavy that at the time of his death, the gospel singer “was on his way to Atlanta to volunteer his time as a member of one of our street teams.”

Frontline Response’s mission is to be “on the frontlines every day rescuing men and women out of sex trafficking and homelessness and preventing children from falling victim,” with teams of volunteers working to locate, educate and help those in need of rescuing.

“He was excited to spend time supporting our mission and had also planned to make a surprise performance at our gala,” Derryberry said.

The Night of Hope Gala on November 3 will feature Tebow as the keynote speaker, with food prepared by former White House chef John Moeller. Due to an “unprecedented response,” the organization announced on October 27 that it had only a few individual tickets and a couple of tables remaining.

Following the gala, Spence was scheduled to head overseas to perform for the first time in London on November 12, headlining a gospel event called “Willie Spence Live in London” with appearances by several British music stars.

Private & Public Services Planned for Willie Spence

ABC/YouTubeWillie Spence listens to praise from Lionel Richie, who loved his performances on “American Idol”

Spence’s family has coordinated memorial events in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the singer was born. A public viewing was held on October 27 at a local funeral home. On the evening of October 28, a Celebration of Life Concert is planned at Mount Calvary Baptist Church.

A memorial service is scheduled at the church the following morning at 10 am Eastern and will be live-streamed via the Bethe’l Family Worship Center’s Facebook page. In-person attendees have been encouraged to wear silver and blue to the events.

In lieu of flowers, Spence’s family has asked that donations be given to the official Willie Spence Memorial Fund, benefitting Frontline Response.

Meanwhile, a public memorial is being planned in Douglas, Georgia, where Spence grew up, to be held on November 5. The specific time and location have not yet been announced.

The “American Idol” family of cast and crew was hit hard by Spence’s death, with countless tributes made on social media by all three judges, many crew members, and most of Spence’s closest friends from the show.

Though Derryberry refrained from providing specifics, she told Heavy, “‘American Idol’ truly is a family and they’ve been phenomenal during this period. We can’t express our support in strong enough terms for their kindness and support.”

The family of Willie Spence is asking for help from fans to cover funeral expenses for the “American Idol” alum, who died on October 11, 2022. His grieving family held a press conference to express their shock over the singer’s fatal car accident.

Willie Spence’s Family Shares Grief, Starts GoFundMe Campaign

WPTV/ABC/YouTube“American Idol” alum Willie Spence’s father speaks at a press conference on October 12, 2022

According to a preliminary police report obtained by Heavy from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 23-year-old Spence, who was runner-up to Chayce Beckham on season 19 of “Idol,” was killed when his 2019 Jeep collided with the back of a tractor-trailer parked on the shoulder of an interstate near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

His family held a brief press conference on October 12 outside his grandmother’s Florida home, led by his cousin, Sabrina Cooper.

“Willie was our gentle giant,” she told reporters. “He had such a soft demeanor but a very, very powerful voice. When he opened his mouth and lifted the Lord in a song, many would just stop in their tracks to listen to him.”

As the singer’s dad, Willie Spence Sr., choked back tears, he said, “This is like a dream, like a bad dream.”

“I can’t explain how I feel,” he added. “All I know is I’m gonna miss him. I’m gonna miss his voice around the house.”

Cooper expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans, saying that the family was realizing just how many people loved Spence and were grieving his loss, too. She announced the creation of a GoFundMe campaign to help the family cover funeral expenses and costs associated with Spence’s death. At the time of publication, the page had received nearly $4,000 of the family’s $50,000 goal.

Fans who donated shared condolences and favorite memories of Spence on the fundraising page.

One contributor wrote, “As an avid watcher of American Idol, the news of this death really struck me. Willie was far too young and talented to be taken so soon. RIP Willie and sorry to his family that this happened.”

Another commented, “Willie’s voice brought me to tears. I would watch his performances at times where I felt sad and needed joy. His talent was so big and I was so excited to see whatever was next for him. Sending so much love to his family and to all that loved him.”

Willie Spence Released Cover of ‘The Living Years’ One Month Before His Death

One month before Spence’s death, he and singer Briana Moir released their cover of the 1989 Mike and the Mechanics song “The Living Years” and an accompanying video of them recording the duet. The song is about communicating whatever needs to be said before a loved one dies and it’s too late.

On an Instagram post announcing their duet, Moir wrote, “Thank you to one of the sweetest humans I have ever met for coming together with me to help share this incredible message of positivity @williespenceofficial. Your voice and your presence are a gift.”

Upon hearing of Spence’s death, Moir posted a tribute to him on Instagram, saying she was heartbroken.

“What a special, bright light Willie was,” she wrote. “Kind, pure hearted and so talented. I am honored to have had the chance to not only work with, but also get to know and be around his beautiful presence. You will be forever missed sweet Willie.”

Spence’s “American Idol” castmates have also been posting heartfelt tributes to their beloved friend, as well as the celebrity judges. For instance, on October 12, Lionel Richie posted a video of Spence performing on his Instagram feed and wrote, “Your light will always shine in this world.”

A spider on Queen Elizabeth II’s casket and flowers at her funeral was the latest insect to find internet fame. Photos of the spider went viral on social media as Britain’s longest reigning monarch was laid to rest today.

The Queen of England’s state funeral was held at Westminster Abbey in London on Monday, September 19, 2022, on a bank holiday for the kingdom, according to the Independent. The funeral marked the 10th and final day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, who died at age 96 Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

Here’s what you need to know:

Some Twitter Users Attributed Meaning & Good Omens to the Funeral Spider. Others Made Memes

Some Twitter users attributed deeper meaning to the uninvited guest at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

“On Queens coffin, a spider> Spider meaning and symbolism include artistry, manifestation, patience, feminine power, ancient wisdom, illusion, balance, and interconnection,” wrote Artist Michael Martineau.

Others made a meme of the spider, who was newly crowned with internet fame.

“The spider realising it’s accidentally become a part of the Queen’s funeral,” wrote Twitter user Grace, along with a meme of SpongeBob SquarePant’s Mr. Krabs in a panic.

“I dont know why so many people are creeped out by the little spider on the Queen’s flowers. It’s a good omen. I was delighted!” another person wrote on Twitter.

“Queen Elizabeth would have had a giggle about that,” another Twitter user replied.

The Spider Appeared on a Hand-Written Note King Charles III Wrote to His Mother

Twitter users were among the first to spot the spider, which appeared on a handwritten note King Charles III wrote to his mother. People reported the note was a white card on royal letterhead. He wrote, “In loving and devoted memory, Charles R.”

“The most famous spider in the world right now,” wrote Twitter user Laura, along with the hashtags #queensfuneral and #QueenElizabethIIMemorial.

Mike Signton, the retired NBC senior executive, compared the spider to the fly that landed on Mike Pence’s head during the Vice Presidential Debate in 2020.

“Spider on Queen Elizabeth’s coffin now more famous than fly on Mike Pence’s head,” he wrote.

“BREAKING: It’s Rupert Murdoch, in his other life form,” wrote Sports and Political Commentator Keith Olbermann.

“Did anyone else spot the spider catching a ride on Queen Elizabeth II coffin?” wrote Emily Powell.

“A spider rides on the note on Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin,” wrote Twitter user MaryLouWho.

“From the people who brought you Mike Pence fly, it’s Queen Elizabeth spider!” wrote Evan Kling on Twitter.

Another Twitter user echoed those who criticized major media outlets for focusing on the monarch’s funeral while Hurricane Fiona devastated Puerto Rico.

The Twitter user wrote, “Thank you for calling out some of the media’s idiocy on this, but catastrophic flooding and long dead infrastructure in the US’s largest colony is just not as juicy as.. .checks notes..’Spider crashes Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, finds instant fame on web.'”

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Many lives are being remembered this week in Houston, including a longtime priest, a businessman and a World War II Air Force secretary.

Follow the Heavy on Houston Facebook page for the latest Houston news and more.

Here are some of the lives lost this week:

Father Alvin Sinasac, CSB

Legacy.comFather Alvin A. Sinasac CSB.

Father Alvin Sinasac died February 17, 2022, at age 70, leaving behind his six living siblings, “his Basilian brothers,” and those he served through the priesthood. Sinasac was a priest for more than four decades, according to his obituary. He attended college for architectural drafting and worked in the field before receiving his degree in 1974, his obituary says.

“He entered the Basilian Novitiate that same year and took his first vows in 1975. He earned a M.Div. during his theological studies at University of St. Michael’s College in Toronto and was ordained a priest in 1979,” his obituary says. “After ordination, Father Sinasac had several different appointments. He was a high school chaplain before going to Mexico City where he was Master of Scholastics and Director of Formation before being assigned to Houston in 1990, first to Casa San Basilio where he was the Rector for many years and then appointed to St. Anne’s Church as Associate Pastor and then Pastor in 2010 and remained there before retiring to live with his Basilian brothers at Dillon House in Houston in 2021.”

Those who wish to make donations in his memory are asked to consider the Christian Community Service Center (CCSC).

George Reid

Legacy.comGeorge Reid.

George Reid died Friday, February 13, 2022, at age 76 from cancer, leaving behind his wife, son, daughter, grandchildren, siblings and other family members, his obituary says. He was born in North Carolina and attended the University of Mississippi for business administration, his obituary says.

“After graduating he moved to Houston, Texas where he started a family and a successful commercial real estate investment company and was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church until his health declined,” his obituary says.

Those who wish to donate are asked to send contributions to Camp Sweeney, a Type 1 Diabetes Children’s Camp.

“He will be missed greatly by his family but they are comforted in knowing he is with the Lord in Heaven and all his friends and family who have gone before him,” his obituary says.

Peggy Carson

Legacy.comPeggy Carson.

Peggy Carson died February 13, 2022, at age 98, leaving behind her sons, grandsons and great-grandchildren, according to her obituary. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in Fort Scott, Kansas, then moved to Wichita with her parents in 1942, where she got a job as a World War II civilian secretary for the Army Air Force, her obituary says. After the war, she began working for the IRS.

“Peggy met the love of her life, Albert Hestwood Carson on a blind date. They were married on Thanksgiving Day 1947 in Atlanta, Georgia where Al was attending a Coca-Cola Company training school,” her obituary says. “Both Al and Peggy were big sports fans and after the morning ceremony they attended the Georgia v Georgia Tech football game.”

Al Carson was transferred to Houston by Coca-Cola in 1963, and they moved with their two sons.

“The Carsons loved all things Houston but particularly the Astros, Oilers and Rockets,” her obituary says. “Peggy had many gifts. She was an accomplished oil painter and she sang second soprano in the Tallowood Baptist Church choir for many years.”

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Obituaries from Houston this week include a mother of seven and a World War II veteran who was the first Black person to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin.

Follow the Heavy on Houston Facebook page for the latest Houston news and more.

Here are two of the Houston-area residents who are being remembered this week:

Dr. Llayron Clarkson Sr., 97

McCoy & Harrison Funeral HomeLlayron Clarkson.

Dr. Llayron Clarkson was a World War II veteran and a Texas Southern University professor who left behind children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a brother when he died January 29, 2022, at age 97, according to his obituary.

Clarkson was raised in the Third Ward of Houston, where he “learned the virtues of hard work and Christian principles,” his obituary says. His father died when he was 9, leaving Clarkson’s mother to raise their three children alone. She earned a living as a domestic worker, and Clarkson started taking on odd jobs to support the family.

He graduated from Jack Yates High School in 1940 and learned carpentry, plumbing and electricity through the National Youth Administration. The NYA, a part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, taught skills to youth to help combat unemployment among young adults.

Clarkson was drafted into the Army in 1943 and served in Europe and North Africa. When he returned home in 1947, he became one of the first students at Texas Southern University, which was a school for Black students at the time, and the first to accept Black students in Texas. After earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in mathematics, he went on to the University of Texas at Austin. There, he became the first Black person to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics from the university.

Clarkson continued furthering his education, completing post-doctoral work at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and attending Stanford University as a Shell Merit Fellow.

He taught at Jack Yates High School for nearly a decade before accepting a position at TSU. He held several positions at the university and founded Clarkson Aerospace, Corp., a research and development engineering firm.

His motto was “If I can help somebody along the way, then my living will not be in vain.” Those wishing to donate in his memory are asked to make a contribution to The Llayron L. Clarkson Endowment for Mathematics at Texas Southern University.

Catherine Fogarty, 91

Earthman Bellaire Funeral HomeCatherine Fogarty.

Catherine Ann Fogarty died at age 91 on January 27, 2022, leaving behind her children, 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, and three more expected great-grandchildren, according to her obituary. She raised seven children with her husband, Jack, who preceded her in death.

She was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and she and Jack moved their family to Houston in 1965.

“She was a baseball fan and loved the Cardinals while in St. Louis but became an Astros fan in Houston,” her obituary says. “She was also a fan of any sports team her children or grandchildren were involved in.”

She was a devout Catholic who served as secretary at St. Thomas More Parish for many years, her obituary says.

Fogarty was also an avid bridge player, and had good friends in twice-weekly groups, which she attended up until one month before she died.

Donations can be made to Maryknoll Sisters, P.O. Box 317, Maryknoll, NY, 10545.

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Gabby Petito’s parents are Joseph and Nichole Schmidt. They spent the days after her body was found planning her funeral and working on a foundation to memorialize her: the Gabby Petito Foundation.

Petito was reported missing September 11, 2021, 10 days after her fiance, Brian Laundrie, 23, returned from a road trip without her. The remains of the 22-year-old van life blogger were found Sunday, September 19, 2021, in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Officials are conducting a manhunt for Laundrie in the Carlton Reserve, a swampy nature preserve in Florida.

An arrest warrant was issued for Laundrie Thursday, September 23, 2021, related to Wyoming federal court allegations on the use of “unauthorized devices” following Petito’s death, according to NBC News. Officials told NBC that the arrest warrant is related to allegations he used a debit card he was not permitted to use, and is not directly related to Petito’s death.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Petito’s Family Is Holding a Public Memorial Service for Her Today, Sunday, September 26, 2021, With an Empty Urn

A line had formed outside the Moloney Funeral Home in Holbrook for Gabby Petito’s funeral services, according to the Associated Press. Among the group was a line of firefighters, and a fire truck was positioned on each side of the building, with ladders raised, the article said.

Fox News reported that the FBI has not yet released Petito’s body, and that the family is instead using an empty urn during her funeral services. A coroner ruled she died by homicide, but her official cause of death remains pending a final autopsy.

“Services for our sweet Gabby will be held at Moloney Funeral Home in Holbrook on Sunday September 26th from 12pm-5pm,” Joseph Petito wrote on Twitter. “Thank to all for your suppprt and love.”

Gabby Petito’s family posted a memorial video for the young woman on the Moloney Funeral Home website. It included videos from her life, pictures from her childhood, photos with family and friends, and landmark moments in her short life.

“In loving memory. Gabby Petito: 1999 – 2021,” the video said, next to a picture of the Petito family when she was younger.

The funeral service is being held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, September 15, 2021, at the Moloney Funeral home in Holbrook, Staten Island, New York, according to her obituary.

“In lieu of flowers, Gabby’s family is asking for donations to the future Gabby Petito Foundation. Donations can be made electronically at http://Johnnymacfoundation.org. Thank you.”

In just over 24 hours, the Facebook post from the Moloney Funeral Home had nearly 300 comments.

“Rest In Peace beautiful girl! Fly high with the angels! Sending love & prayers to Gabby’s family & friends! Praying for you’re strength & healing in the days ahead! Praying for Justice… from Idaho,” one comment said.

“To Gabby’s Mom , Dad and Family and friends. My heart breaks along with yours on the loss of Gabby. I hope and pray justice will be served so she can rest in peace and you all can in time have some closure on this senseless tragedy. I wish I could take away some of the pain you are feeling . God bless you and God bless Gabby,” another person wrote.

2. Nichole Schmidt, Gabby Petito’s Mom, Is a Longtime Volunteer & Board Member for the Johnny Mac Foundation

Schmidt was described as a “longtime volunteer and current Johnny Mac Board Member” on the Johnny Mac Foundation website. Schmidt is listed as a board member and community liaison on the website’s board page.

The Johnny Mac Foundation is a memorial fund set up in the memory of John F. McNamara, an FDNY firefighter who died at age 44 from cancer related to his response at Ground Zero for 500 hours following September 11, 2001, according to the National Fallen Firefighters Association.

“Gabby is the daughter of longtime volunteer and current Johnny Mac Board Member Nichole Schmidt. Any funds donated using the following link will be used for family expenses,” the website says, along with a donation link.

The foundation was formed based on McNamara’s final wishes, which his wife, Jennifer, found after his death, according to the Johnny Mac Foundation’s mission statement.

It says:

The Foundation’s mission is to honor the essence of who John was and carry on his inspiring work – not only to see the Community Center project grow to fruition, but to continue the selfless spirit of Johnny Mac by supporting other organizations dear to his heart- groups dedicated to the support of Firefighters and First Responders.

After John died, hidden in his hospital bag, Jennifer found a list of things John wanted her to do if he did not survive. One of those things was to have a community center built in Blue Point, New York where John, Jenn and Jack lived. Jennifer formed the FDNY Firefighter John F. McNamara Foundation, also known as The Johnny Mac Foundation, to fulfill that wish. The Foundation is now tirelessly working to build the community center that John envisioned which will stand as a cornerstone of the community, family, and camaraderie just as John had.

Donations for the Gabby Petito Foundation can be made through the Johnny Mac Foundation here or through PayPal here with a note to send funds to the Gabby Petito Foundation.

The family said donations will be used for “family expenses” on the donation page. Joseph Petito asked that donations be made to the Gabby Petito Foundation in lieu of flowers.

“In lieu of flowers for the service, please send donations for the Future Gabby Petito Foundation through the Johnny Mac Foundation,” he wrote on Twitter, sharing donation links, along with a photo of his daughter with angel wings and a halo. “We Thank you for all the support.”

3. Gabby Petito’s Parents Started the Gabby Petito Foundation to Help Parents of Missing People Bring Their Children Home

The family of Gabby Petito is in the process of creating the future Gabby Petito Foundation, her father, Joseph Petito, wrote on Twitter.

Joseph Petito shared a link to the Gabby Petito Foundation website Saturday night and wrote on Twitter about the organization.

“The Gabby Petito Foundation. No one should have to find their child on their own. We are creating this foundation to give resources and guidance on bringing their children home. We are looking to help people in similar situations as Gabby,” he wrote.

The family established a website for the future Gabby Petito Foundation, which includes a picture of Petito with angel wings and a halo.

“In response to the overwhelming outreach, we are establishing the Gabby Petito Foundation. Please come back and visit as we develop a mission statement to move forward in Gabby’s memory,” the website says.

4. Joseph Petito Said His Daughter’s Instagram Page Is All He Has Left of Her

Gabby Petito’s father, Joseph Petito, told PEOPLE he mourned when his daughter’s Instagram page was briefly taken down. Although it was quickly restored, he said her account was the only thing he had left of his little girl. At the time of the interview with PEOPLE, Petito’s body had not yet been found.

“I cried for like 10 minutes,” Joseph Petito said after the page was removed. “I’m not naive to how these stories usually end. So, if it does end that way — and that’s a big if — those pictures were all I had left.”

Joseph Petito described his daughter as “so amazing” in his interview with PEOPLE.

“She’s so artistic. She’s an amazing artist. She loves to draw. She has a great eye with decorating … She’s that flower child type of personality. The old soul, you know?” he told PEOPLE.

He added, “If Woodstock was still going on, she’d still be there, man. She’s a hippie from the ’60s, all right? She’s a Beatles fan, round glasses … a free spirit.”

Petito spoke to Dr. Phil, calling Brian Laundrie’s parents “complicit.” Gabby Petito lived with her fiance and his parents, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie, in Florida.

“That is not how you raise a child. You raise your children to stand up and own up to your mistakes,” Joseph Petito said on Dr. Phil. “As a man that is what I do. From father to father he should be doing that too. And I’m sorry, I understand protecting your kid and all that other stuff but in my opinion, you’re a coward.”

5. Schmidt Told Investigators the Last Texts She Received From Her Daughter’s Phone Drew Suspicions

Petito’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, told investigators that the last text she received from her daughter’s phone made her suspicious, especially in hindsight, according to WFLA. Schmidt told authorities that a text on August 27, 2021, was one of the last she received. That was also the day witnesses said they spotted Petito and Laundrie in an argument at The Merry Piglets restaurant.

“Can you help Stan, I just keep getting his voicemails and missed calls,” the text said, according to a search warrant reviewed by WFLA.

Schmidt said that Stan is Gabby Petito’s grandfather, but that Petito never referred to her grandpa by his first name.

According to The Deseret, Petito’s attorney Richard Stafford, said another text came from Petito’s phone that said “No service from Yosemite.”

Her social media activity ceased on August 25, 2021, two days before her mom received the text referencing “Stan.”

READ NEXT: Brian Laundrie’s Parents, Christopher & Roberta: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

The family of Gabby Petito is requesting donations for the future Gabby Petito Foundation, and asked in her funeral announcement that donations be sent through the Johnny Mac Foundation in lieu of flowers. Read on for more information about the foundation and her family’s plans to preserve her memory.

Petito, 22, was found dead Sunday, September 19, 2021, in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. She was reported missing 10 days after her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, 23, returned home from a road trip without Petito. Officials are conducting a manhunt for Laundrie in the Carlton Reserve, a swampy nature preserve in Florida.

An arrest warrant was issued for Laundrie Thursday, September 23, 2021, related to Wyoming federal court allegations on the use of “unauthorized devices” following Petito’s death, according to NBC News. Officials told NBC that the arrest warrant is related to allegations he used a debit card he was not permitted to use, and is not directly related to Petito’s death.

Petito’s funeral will be open to the public, her family announced. The funeral and visitation will be held at noon Sunday, September 26, 2021, at the Moloney Funeral Home in Holbrook.

Here’s what you need to know:

Donations Can Be Made Online to the Future Gabby Petito Foundation Through the Johnny Mac Foundation

The family of Gabby Petito is in the process of creating the future Gabby Petito Foundation, her father, Joseph Petito, wrote on Twitter. However, donations can be made through the Johnny Mac Foundation, a memorial fund set up in the memory of John F. McNamara, an FDNY firefighter who died at age 44 from cancer related to his response at Ground Zero for 500 hours following September 11, 2001, according to the National Fallen Firefighters Association.

Joseph Petito shared a link to the Gabby Petito Foundation website Saturday night and wrote on Twitter about the organization.

“The Gabby Petito Foundation. No one should have to find their child on their own. We are creating this foundation to give resources and guidance on bringing their children home. We are looking to help people in similar situations as Gabby,” he wrote.

The family said donations will be used for “family expenses” on the donation page. Joseph Petito asked that donations be made to the Gabby Petito Foundation in lieu of flowers.

“In lieu of flowers for the service, please send donations for the Future Gabby Petito Foundation through the Johnny Mac Foundation,” he wrote on Twitter, sharing donation links, along with a photo of his daughter with angel wings and a halo. “We Thank you for all the support.”

Donations can be made through the Johnny Mac Foundation here or through PayPal here with a note to send funds to the Gabby Petito Foundation.

Gabby Petito’s Mom, Nichole Schmidt, Is a Volunteer & Board Member for the Johnny Mac Foundation

Schmidt was described as a “longtime volunteer and current Johnny Mac Board Member” on the Johnny Mac Foundation website. Schmidt is listed as a board member and community liaison on the website’s board page.

“Gabby is the daughter of longtime volunteer and current Johnny Mac Board Member Nichole Schmidt. Any funds donated using the following link will be used for family expenses,” the website says, along with a donation link.

The foundation was formed based on McNamara’s final wishes, which his wife, Jennifer, found after his death, according to the Johnny Mac Foundation’s mission statement.

It says:

The Foundation’s mission is to honor the essence of who John was and carry on his inspiring work – not only to see the Community Center project grow to fruition, but to continue the selfless spirit of Johnny Mac by supporting other organizations dear to his heart- groups dedicated to the support of Firefighters and First Responders.

After John died, hidden in his hospital bag, Jennifer found a list of things John wanted her to do if he did not survive. One of those things was to have a community center built in Blue Point, New York where John, Jenn and Jack lived. Jennifer formed the FDNY Firefighter John F. McNamara Foundation, also known as The Johnny Mac Foundation, to fulfill that wish. The Foundation is now tirelessly working to build the community center that John envisioned which will stand as a cornerstone of the community, family, and camaraderie just as John had.

READ NEXT: Brian Laundrie’s Parents, Christopher & Roberta: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Gabby Petito’s funeral will be held at the Moloney Funeral Home in Holbrook, on Long Island, New York, on Sunday, September 26, 2021, according to her obituary, as the search continues for her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. The memorial visitation will be open to the public, Petito’s family announced. Petito’s family is asking for donations for the future Gabby Petito Foundation through the Johnny Mac Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Petito, 22, was reported missing 10 days after Laundrie returned home alone from a cross-country road trip. Her body was found Sunday, September 19, 2021, in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Officials are conducting a manhunt for Laundrie in the Carlton Reserve, a swampy nature preserve in Florida.

An arrest warrant was issued for Laundrie Thursday, September 23, 2021, related to Wyoming federal court allegations on the use of “unauthorized devices” following Petito’s death, according to NBC News. Officials told NBC that the arrest warrant is related to allegations he used a debit card he was not permitted to use, and is not directly related to Petito’s death.

Here’s what you need to know:

Petito’s Funeral Announcement Drew Hundreds of Comments From Around the Country & Her Family Posted an Obituary Memorial Video

Gabby Petito’s family posted a memorial video for the young woman on the Moloney Funeral Home website. It included videos from throughout her life, pictures from her childhood, photos with family and friends, and landmark moments in her short life.

“In loving memory. Gabby Petito: 1999 – 2021,” the video said, next to a picture of the Petito family when she was younger.

Petito’s funeral announcement posted by the Moloney Funeral Home in Holbrook was simple. It said:

A Memorial Visitation will be held for Gabby Petito on Sunday, September 26 from 12-5pm at Moloney’s Holbrook Funeral Home, located at 825 Main St. Holbrook, NY 11741.

Flowers can be ordered through Events by Towers Nesconset. 631-979-8848 or flowersbytowers.com

The announcement added:

“In lieu of flowers, Gabby’s family is asking for donations to the future Gabby Petito Foundation. Donations can be made electronically at http://Johnnymacfoundation.org. Thank you.”

In just over 24 hours, the Facebook post had nearly 300 comments.

“Rest In Peace beautiful girl! Fly high with the angels! Sending love & prayers to Gabby’s family & friends! Praying for you’re strength & healing in the days ahead! Praying for Justice… from Idaho,” one comment said.

“To Gabby’s Mom , Dad and Family and friends. My heart breaks along with yours on the loss of Gabby. I hope and pray justice will be served so she can rest in peace and you all can in time have some closure on this senseless tragedy. I wish I could take away some of the pain you are feeling . God bless you and God bless Gabby,” another person wrote.

Petito’s Dad, Joseph Petito, Said Her Instagram Photos Are All He Has Left of His Daughter

Gabby Petito’s father, Joseph Petito, told PEOPLE he mourned when his daughter’s Instagram page was briefly taken down. Although it was quickly restored, he said her account was the only thing he had left of his little girl. At the time of the interview with PEOPLE, Petito’s body had not yet been found.

“I cried for like 10 minutes,” Joseph Petito said after the page was removed. “I’m not naive to how these stories usually end. So, if it does end that way — and that’s a big if — those pictures were all I had left.”

Joseph Petito described his daughter as “so amazing” in his interview with PEOPLE.

“She’s so artistic. She’s an amazing artist. She loves to draw. She has a great eye with decorating … She’s that flower child type of personality. The old soul, you know?” he told PEOPLE.

He added, “If Woodstock was still going on, she’d still be there, man. She’s a hippie from the ’60s, all right? She’s a Beatles fan, round glasses … a free spirit.”

READ NEXT: Brian Laundrie’s Parents, Christopher & Roberta: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

While a massive public funeral ceremony honoring the late Kobe Bryant, 41, his daughter Gianna, 13, and the seven other victims that tragically died in the helicopter crash on January 26, is planned to take place in Los Angeles on February 24, Vanessa Bryant placed her husband and daughter to rest with a private service last week.

In documents obtained by Extra TV, Bryant’s held their funeral service on February 7, at Pacific View Mortuary, which is located in Corona Del Mar, California. It’s the same location where Hollywood’s most famous cowboy John Wayne was also buried.

It’s unknown how many friends and family attended the private burial but based on Vanessa’s social media post last weekend, which featured a video of her daughter, Capri, 7 months, standing up with the help of her aunt, which meant Kobe’s sister Sharia Bryant Washington aka “Aunt Ri-Ri” was in town from Las Vegas for the service.

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Bryant and Gianna’s bodies were released to the family a little over a week after the crash in Calabasas, which meant the family could start preparing for a funeral. The cause of death for Kobe was listed as “blunt trauma” by deputy medical examiner Dr. Carillo.

While it’s unknown which family members joined Vanessa and her three daughters, Natalia, 17, Bianca, 3, and Capri, it’s likely mourners included her mother, Sofia Laine, and her older sister, Sophie Laine, who’ve always been her supportive rocks.

And because Sharia was in town last weekend, it’s likely that Kobe’s other sister, Shaya, also traveled from Las Vegas to attend her brother’s private ceremony. While Vanessa and Kobe’s relationship with his parents, Pamela Cox Bryant and Joe Bryant remained icy prior to his untimely death, they always remained close with his sisters and their children.

Kobe & Gianna’s Public Memorial Service In Los Angeles Is Planned For February 24

The city of Los Angeles worked with Bryant’s family to put together an honorable memorial service. Mayor Eric Garcetti worked with Vanessa to arrange the upcoming service, and the date they decided on was February 24, a nod to both Kobe and Gianna’s jersey numbers.

After the Los Angeles Lakers played their first home game the Staples Center following the helicopter crash, in which they held a special tribute to Kobe and Gianna prior to tip-off, Vanessa shared on Instagram, “There is no #24 with #2.”

The memorial service will also take place at Staples Center despite there being speculation that it would too small a venue to fit all the city’s mourning fans. According to TMZ Sports, there was consideration to hold the public memorial at L.A. Coliseum since the Staples Center holds roughly 20,000 people while the Coliseum can hold around 80,000.

Fans have been gathering outside the Staples since the day he died, and the turnout for the public memorial service is expected to be massive. Vanessa has shared on social media that she is grateful for the city’s thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes. On February 10, captioning a video of Gianna playing basketball at the Mamba Academy, she opened up about how she’s struggling in the aftermath of the devastating loss of Kobe and her daughter.

Kobe’s wife of 19 years wrote:

“I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri.

READ NEXT: LeBron James’ Son Bronny Honors Kobe Bryant & Gigi On Instagram

David Small, a private investigator, appears to have attended a stranger’s funeral service. He got up to make derogatory remarks about Chinese people following the eulogy by the woman’s son, Adrian Wong. The video was shared on Reddit’s “Cringe” subreddit, where it quickly shot to the top.

The video was shared on YouTube by Wong with two separate camera angles. Wong writes about the interruption by Small:

I tried my best to honor my mother Carol Tan Wong who passed away from stage 4 lung cancer on March 2, 2017. She was not a smoker, not exposed to second hand smoke, and went to the doctors as soon as she had a cough that didn’t look like a regular cold. She was simply unlucky. A bigoted funeral attendee – David Small made an impromptu speech afterwards dishonored her memory when he didn’t even know her and used the platform to made racist comments towards Chinese/Asian people. Incense burning and cigarette smoking are not only practiced by the “Asian” community wouldn’t it be more appropriate to talk about religions rather than ethnicity in terms of incense burning. My family doesn’t practice incense burning. To be singled out and implored as representatives of the Asian to fix these issues is abhorrent. Not every Asian person attends an “Asian Church” nor should those that attend be singled out for incense burning or cigarette smoking. What about cigarette smoking by whites, blacks, and hispanics? Or cigarette smoking in general? What happens if I spoke at a Russian funeral and said excess consumption of vodka lead to the person’s early death and I implore them to address this “cultural” issue? Would that be ok? He needs to be held accountable by the community and answer for his ignorant speech.

A second angle of Small’s speech can be viewed below.

Small is the owner of litigationsupportpi.com and is a resident of Massachusetts, like Wong.

According to CBS Boston, Small has issued an apology to the Wongs.

Michael Clarke and Jason Hughes carry the coffin during the funeral service for Phillip Hughes on December 3, 2014, in Macksville, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Munoz – Pool/Getty Images)

Funerals are never fun to attend, so looking for the perfect song or songs to play during the sad ceremony can be quite a task. While some people request simple church or religious music to be played at their service, some people and families go on the hunt for the most touching tune to send off their loved one.

Below is a list of the top 10 best songs to play at a funeral, in no particular order, of course.

10. “Who You’d Be Today,” Kenny Chesney

“Who You’d Be Today” is a song written by Aimee Mayo and Bill Luther, and was recorded country music singer Kenny Chesney. It was released in September 2005 as the first single from Chesney’s album The Road and the Radio.
The song is a good pick for a funeral because it’s to a person who died before their time (“It ain’t fair, you died too young / Like a story that had just begun / But death tore the pages all away”). The narrator describes how much he has missed that person and questions what their life would be like if they were still alive (“Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today”). The song ends with the narrator saying that the only hope that comes from the death is knowing they’ll see each other again someday.

Learn more about “Who You’d Be Today” here.

Learn more about Kenny Chesney here.

Read the lyrics for “Who You’d Be Today” here.

“Who You’d Be Today” download: Amazon – iTunes – Google Play

9. “Free Bird,” Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Free Bird” is a power ballad performed by American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was released as a single in 1974, and Amazon.com music reviewer Lorry Fleming calls it “the most-requested song in the history of rock music.” This track was always used as a show closer during the band’s live performances, and it is their longest song. It usually went well over 14 minutes when played live. It is considered to be Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature song.

The band’s guitarist Allen Collins, wrote the song after his then girlfriend, Kathy, whom he later married, asked him, “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?” Collins noted the question and it eventually became the opening line of “Free Bird”. The touching lyrics and slow melody have made it a great dedication song to those who have passed.

Learn more about “Free Bird” here.

Learn more about Lynyrd Skynyrd here.

Read the lyrics for “Free Bird” here.

“Free Bird” download: Amazon – iTunes – Google Play

8. “One Sweet Day,” Mariah Carey

“One Sweet Day” is a song by Mariah Carey and R&B group Boyz II Men. The song was written by Carey, Walter Afanasieff and Boyz II Men. “One Sweet Day” was produced by Carey and Afanasieff for her fifth studio album, Daydream, and was released as the album’s second single on November 14, 1995.

The song makes for a nice funeral song because it speaks about the death of a loved one, how the narrator took the passed one’s presence for granted and misses them, and finally about seeing the person in heaven. Both Carey and Boyz II Men wrote the song about specific people in their lives, being inspired by sufferers of the AIDS epidemic, which was globally prevalent at that time. Carey wrote it for her friend and past collaborator David Cole who had died. She began writing and developing a song that would pay homage to him and all the friends and family her fans had lost along life’s journey.

The song was performed at Princess Diana’s memorial service in September 1997.

Learn more about “One Sweet Day” here.

Learn more about Mariah Carey here.

Read the lyrics for “One Sweet Day” here.

“One Sweet Day” download: Amazon – iTunes – Google Play

7. “Amazing Grace,” Elvis Presley

“Amazing Grace” is a Christian hymn published in 1779, with words written by the English poet and Anglican clergyman John Newton. He wrote the words from personal experience. He grew up without any particular religious conviction, but his life’s path was formed by a variety of twists and coincidences He served in the Royal Navy, and after leaving the service, he became involved in the Atlantic slave trade. In 1748, a violent storm battered his vessel off the coast of County Donegal, Ireland, so severely that he called out to God for mercy, a moment that marked his spiritual conversion.

Thanks to the inventions of recorded music and radio, “Amazing Grace” began to cross over from primarily a gospel song to other audiences. The ability to record combined with the marketing of records to specific audiences allowed “Amazing Grace” to take on thousands of different forms in the 20th century. AllMusic.com lists more than 7,000 recordings of this hit as of September 2011. But Elvis Presley’s version tends to be a favorite.

Learn more about “Amazing Grace” here.

Learn more about Elvis Presley here.

Read the lyrics for “Amazing Grace” here.

“Amazing Grace” download: Amazon – iTunes – Google Play

6. “When I Get Where I’m Going,” Brad Paisley

“When I Get Where I’m Going'” is a song written by George Teren and Rivers Rutherford, and recorded by country singer Brad Paisley. It was released in October 2005 as second single from his album Time Well Wasted. The song features harmony vocals from Dolly Parton.

Not only are the lyrics perfect to celebrate one’s life at a funeral, but the music video for the track goes along with the theme, too. The video features many different people holding photographs of loved ones who have presumably died. Two notable people featured in this video are Michael Reagan, who is shown holding a photograph of his father Ronald Reagan, and Teresa Earnhardt, who is shown sitting in front of a painted portrait of her husband, NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. Parton is shown holding a picture of her grandfather, Rev. Jake Owens. Figure Skater Scott Hamilton is shown holding a picture of his mother. John Carter Cash is featured holding a photo of his parents, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.

Learn more about “When I Get Where I’m Going” here.

Learn more about Brad Paisley here.

Read the lyrics for “When I Get Where I’m Going” here.

“When I Get Where I’m Going” download: Amazon – iTunes – Google Play

5. “Tears In Heaven,” Eric Clapton

“Tears in Heaven” is a song by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings, that was in the 1991 Rush film soundtrack. The song was written about the pain and loss Clapton felt following the death of his 4-year-old son, Conor.

Conor fell from a window of a 53rd-floor New York apartment building owned by his mother’s friend on March 20, 1991. Clapton arrived at the apartment shortly after the accident.

“Would you know my name, if I saw you in heaven? Would it be the same, if I saw you in heaven? I must be strong and carry on because I know I don’t belong here in heaven…” the lyrics read.

Learn more about “Tears In Heaven” here.

Learn more about Eric Clapton here.

Read the lyrics for “Tears In Heaven” here.

“Tears In Heaven” download: Amazon – iTunes – Google Play

4. “Come Away With Me,” Norah Jones

“Come Away with Me” is a song written by Norah Jones for her 2002 debut studio album of the same name. Her soothing voice and peaceful lyrics make the track the perfect choice for a funeral setting.

The lyrics are, “Come away with me in the night, come away with me and I will write you a song, come away with me on a bus, come away where they can’t tempt us, with their lies, and I want to walk with you on a cloudy day in fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high so won’t you try to come, come away with me and we’ll kiss on a mountaintop. Come away with me and I’ll never stop loving you and I…”

Learn more about “Come Away With Me” here.

Learn more about Norah Jones here.

Read the lyrics for “Come Away With Me” here.

“Come Away With Me” download: Amazon – iTunes – Google Play

3. “Hallelujah,” Jeff Buckley

“Hallelujah” is a song written by Canadian singer Leonard Cohen, but the song became more popular through a recording by John Cale, which inspired the most-known recording by Jeff Buckley.

Following its increased popularity after being featured in the film Shrek in 2001, many other arrangements have been performed by many and various singers, both in recordings and in concert. There are over 300 versions known. The infamous track has been used in film and television soundtracks and televised talent contests like American Idol and The Voice.

The lyrics of the song and just the title of it prove why it’s usually a number one choice to play at funerals.

Learn more about “Hallelujah” here.

Learn more about Jeff Buckley here.

Read the lyrics for “Hallelujah” here.

“Hallelujah” download: Amazon – iTunes – Google Play

2. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole

Who doesn’t get a warm, fuzzy feeling in them when they listen to “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” or “What a Wonderful World?” This mashup of the two hits from Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole instantly became a huge success when it was released in 1999. With his soft voice, the song’s sweet lyrics, and the sound of the ukulele, you can easily see why it became a fan favorite, climbed charts, and became the perfect song to play at a funeral.

The tune “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” originated from the movie The Wizard of Oz. While “What a Wonderful World?” was originally recorded by Louis Armstrong.

Learn more about “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” here.

Learn more about Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole here.

Read the lyrics for “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” here.

“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” download: Amazon – iTunes – Google Play

1. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” Bob Dylan

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” is a song written and sung by Bob Dylan, for the soundtrack of the 1973 film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. Guns N’ Roses recorded their own version of the song in 1990 for the Days of Thunder soundtrack.

The song is perfect for a funeral because of its touching lyrics and haunting melody. The track describes the collapse of a deputy sheriff; dying from a bullet wound, and he tells his wife “Mama, take this badge off of me; I can’t use it anymore. It’s gettin’ dark, too dark to see. I feel like I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door”

Learn more about “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” here.

Learn more about Bob Dylan here.

Read the lyrics for “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” here.

“Knocking on Heaven’s Door” download: Amazon – iTunes – Google Play

Honorary starter US golfer Arnold Palmer greets fans as he arrives to begin Round 1 of the 80th Masters Golf Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2016, in Augusta, Georgia. (Getty)

Many in the public want to pay their respects to legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, who died Sunday, September 25 of heart issues in a Pittsburgh hospital.

Is Palmer’s funeral open to the public and when and where is it? Is there a public memorial service?

Palmer’s funeral was private and has already been held – movingly, vibrant rainbows appeared before and after the service in Latrobe, Pennsylvania – but there will be a public memorial service on Tuesday, October 4.

You can watch it live here:

Read More From Heavy

WATCH: Arnold Palmer Memorial Service Live Stream Online

Here’s what you need to know:

Public Memorial Service

According to KDKA-TV, the public memorial ceremony for Arnold Palmer will be held Tuesday, October 4 at 11 a.m. EST at St. Vincent’s College Basilica in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Capacity will be limited, said the TV station. St. Vincent is a Catholic liberal arts school.

The Golf Channel is broadcasting the public memorial service live. According to NBC Sports, “Golf Channel will devote an entire day to celebrating the life and legacy of the King.” The Golf Channel coverage of the memorial service runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but other tributes are planned throughout the day’s coverage.

ESPN is also running the memorial service.

The Orlando Sentinel says Palmer was born in Latrobe, and adds, “Alastair Johnston, CEO of Arnold Palmer Enterprises, and PGA golfer Sam Saunders, Palmer’s grandson, announced the memorial information during a news conference at Latrobe Country Club.”

Arnold Palmer and Sam Saunders in 2015. (Getty)

The family “decided to wait until after this week’s Ryder Cup for a public farewell,” reported Jacksonville.com.

Funeral

Palmer’s funeral was private. Johnston said, according to Fox News, that the Palmer funeral was “pure family, direct relationships.”

The funeral was held on September 29. After “Arnold Palmer’s family spread his ashes at his country club in Pennsylvania,” rainbows appeared over the Latrobe Country Club one hour before his funeral, said NBC Chicago.

Public Reflection

Johnston also said, according to WTAE: “We are encouraging people who want to pay any tribute or have any reflections to go to the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, which provides a landscape and an environment for meditation, for leaving flowers or messages or whatever. It’s also logistically easier to get to than having anything here, with respect to traffic and congestion, which is the last thing we want to impose on the community.”

Arnold Palmer with his wife, Winnie Walzer Palmer, in 1995. (Getty)

Winnie Palmer was Arnold’s first wife, who died of ovarian cancer. The nature reserve is meant to “reflect Winnie Palmer’s love of nature and reading,” the reserve’s mission statement says.

Read More From Heavy

Arnold Palmer Dead: Golfing Legend Dies at 87

(Getty images)

All this press and attention about Paula Deen when there are REAL bigoted people out there, like Alec Baldwin. Wow.

— Corey Coleman (@Corndiggity) June 28, 2013

Paula Deen may have been labelled a hater for a word she said 27 years ago, but, Alec Baldwin hates everybody! Especially, 2 people in particular.

Hey, remember that time when Alec Baldwin went nuts on Twitter? – pic.twitter.com/IB1ycrx7Jh

— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) June 28, 2013

Make that 3.

watching Alec Baldwin blow up on twitter is my entertainment tonight.

— Leith Rankin (@leithrankin) June 28, 2013

According to Fox News, just yesterday Alec got himself into a pickle for blowing up at a journalist from UK Daily Mail — and, rightly so. Number 1 on Alec’s list of hated people is George Stark, who accused Alec’s pregnant wife, Hilaria Baldwin, of disrespectfully tweeting during the ceremony at Soprano star James Gandolfini’s funeral. However, following the incident, he had a field day making homophobic remarks at the journalist over Twitter. Number 2 on Alec’s list of hated people are GAYS. And, we heard no apology from him so far. So, does that make Baldwin the new celebrity bigot?

HE'S OUT: Alec Baldwin appears to have deleted his twitter @ABFalecbaldwin after threatening to "f*ck up" a reporter pic.twitter.com/lYYKYL6CNG

— NewsBreaker (@NewsBreaker) June 28, 2013

Alec Baldwin's Latest Tabloid Twitter Rant Turns Homophobic http://t.co/Uqvg7nG7CK

— New York Magazine (@NYMag) June 28, 2013

It seems America’s gaze turned from Paula to Alec when he pulled his anti-gay comment out of the bag. Or, should I say out of the closet. In fact — it seems Paula Deen finally got some media attention out of her hair when Alec stole her celebrity bigotry spotlight. Congrats to Paula..?

??? .

— AlecBaldwin (@AlecBaldwin) June 20, 2013

We were sort of thinking the same thing.

Meanwhile, do you think there is some reason, other than false accusations against his wife, that made Alec blow up at the reporter? We know James Gandolfini’s death has been hard on everyone, but we wonder if it might be taking an ever more significant toll on Baldwin.

Read More From Heavy

James Gandolfini’s Funeral: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know

Read More From Heavy

James Gandolfini Dies: 10 Celebrity Tweets in Remembrance

(Getty Images)

It was a sad day for Hollywood as crowds began to form outside The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City. Limousines, Cadillacs, and security teams lined the street. Guest after guest showed up to attend the funeral of beloved actor James Gandolfini this morning between the hours of 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Son Michael arrived at 8:29 a.m. and walked solemnly in the side entrance to the church after being welcomed with hugs from friends and family.

Photo Credit: Danny Vega/Heavy.com

Soon, cast members of The Sopranos along with other celebrities, including Steve Buscemi and Alec Baldwin, began to arrive.

(Getty Images)

I was fortunate enough to attend the service inside, which was very touching. Some speeches were endearing while others made you laugh and gave you a glimpse into the fun spirit inside James Gandolfini … the man inside the actor … the boy inside the man. I share with you my experience at James Gandolfini’s funeral as I was privileged to be included in Gandolfini’s world of love for just two hours, though the impression he left will last a lifetime.

James Gandolfinis Funeral today at Saint Johns Church pic.twitter.com/mz1OsmWrzA

— NYC Public Relations (@NYCPRTeam) June 27, 2013

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We were at James Gandolfini’s funeral today and brought back the official program for you to read: http://t.co/prJFfJknhV

— Heavy.com (@HeavySan) June 27, 2013

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1. Gandolfini’s Wife Deborah Lin Was the First to Speak

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Opening the remembrances, Deborah Lin addressed attendees thanking them for their love and support. The grief-stricken widow fought tears as she delivered a short speech to guests and addressed her husband for the last time.

My husband was an honest, kind and loving man. He cared more about others than himself. He took the time to ask others in the course of the day how they were doing. He was always secretly helping someone.

She also said that James was “ironically private” and that one thing she loved most about him was the father that he was to Michael and Lily. Deborah Lin also made it known that his friends and family meant everything to him. She then directed her words to the man himself saying:

Jim, I love you and I always will. Rest in Peace.

Ex-wife Marcy Wudarski also attended the service looking very upset, as to be expected.

Photo Credit: Danny Vega/Heavy.com

It was definitely a difficult day for the Gandolfini family, not to mention a horrible week. I wish them the same great love that they spoke about today to get them through this time.

2. David Chase, the Creator of The Sopranos, Reveals a Secret Scene of Tony Soprano Going to Heaven

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Chase’s speech was one for the books. He said he tried to write a eulogy, but it came out like “bad TV”. Instead, he decided to write a letter to his friend Jim. For those Sopranos fans out there, in the letter, he revealed a never-filmed scene of The Sopranos to guests in the service.

(Photo Courtesy of Craig Blankenhorn/HBO)

Chase spoke about how each episode of the series ended with a song of some kind to evoke power and feeling. He said that if this were an episode, it would end with Joan Osborne’s (What If God Was) One Of Us. In telling us this, he was sure to confirm that the show never did this and no one ever heard this, but he continued to explain the “set-up” for Tony Soprano as:

Tony was somehow lost in the Meadowlands. He didn’t have his car, and his wallet, and his car keys. I forget how he got there, there was some kind of a scrape, but he had nothing in his pocket but some change. He didn’t have his guys with him. He didn’t have his gun. And, so mob boss Tony Soprano had to be one of the working stiffs, getting in line for the bus.

He explained that the way they were going to film was Tony Soprano getting on the bus and the lyrics would play:

If God had a face, what would it look like? And would you want to see, if seeing meant you had to believe?

Then, Tony would be sitting on the bus with more lyrics playing over his face:

What if God was one of us? Just a slob like one of us? Just a stranger on the bus, trying to make his way home.

And, as Tony Soprano sat there, the bus would pull away in a big cloud of smoke. The addition to this scene was developed by Chase due to Gandolfini’s actual death as Chase explains:

I would have to update, because of the events of the last week. And I would let the song play further, and the lyrics would be ‘Just trying to make his way home, like a holy rollin’ stone, back up to Heaven all alone, nobody callin’ on the phone, ‘cept for the Pope, maybe, in Rome.’

I didn’t know whether to have the chills, shed tears, or giggle. It seemed as if a combination of the three resonated throughout the long cathedral hall.

Photo Credit: Lauren Weigle/Heavy.com

St. John’s is actually 601 feet long, the greatest indoor length of any cathedral. The inside covers 121,000 square feet and the intricate interior embellishments extend as far as the eye can see. The outside’s not too shabby either.

3. Fans Were Allowed in to Pay Their Respects

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As invited guests and celebrities made their way into the cathedral through the front as well as side entrances, adoring fans stood in line, hoping to enter the church to pay their respects as well.

Photo Credit: Lauren Weigle/Heavy.com

Paying homage to James Gandolfini’s fans, the family allowed for hundreds of the fans to come in and view the service.

Photo Credit: Danny Vega/Heavy.com

The surrounding community also celebrated the life of James Gandolfini while services were in session.

Photo Credit: Danny Vega/Heavy.com

4. Celebrities Across the Board Showed Up for “Jimmy”

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Alec Baldwin, John Turturro, Steve Buscemi, Joe Pantoliano, Bobby Cannavale, Chris Noth, Julianna Margulies, Mario Batali, and the cast of The Sopranos were just some of the stars in attendance today.

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Lorraine Bracco, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Vincent Pastore, Michael Imperioli, Edie Falco, Aida Turturro (cousin to John), and Steve Schirripa were just some of the cast-mates who paid tribute to their “Tony Soprano”. Sigler seemed overwhelmed and heart-broken upon exiting the service.

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Additional actors and members of Hollywood attended as well. Mixing with fans and the public, actors who have met the star, were inspired by him, or who were simply fans as well, gathered to watch the ceremony.

Photo Credit: Danny Vega/Heavy.com

Just a few seats away, actor David Rasche sat and pleasantly listened to the service, singing along to some of the hymns.

Photo Credit: Danny Vega/Heavy.com

Yet another prominent face at the memorial service was New Jersey’s Governor Christie, who was accompanied by bodyguards that looked like they had stepped out of a GQ magazine ad.

Photo Credit: Danny Vega/Heavy.com

Yes, these guys are seriously his bodyguards.

Governor Christie paid his respects to Jersey Shore loving Gandolfini. #JerseyStrong

— NYC Public Relations (@NYCPRTeam) June 27, 2013

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It is uncertain whether John Travolta attended the service.

5. Acting Coach Susan Aston Talks About Her Last Conversation with James Gandolfini

Photo Credit: Lauren Weigle/Heavy.com

In Susan Aston’s last conversation with James Gandolfini she told us that she was talking to him about a movie role he had turned down because it was set to begin filming this summer. He told her that he was turning down the movie because it was most important to him to spend time with his family this summer on the Jersey shore and in California. It’s almost as if he knew his time would be limited.

What really struck a nerve with me personally was when Aston said that today was the easy part. As she fought back sobbing, she said:

The hardest part will be … How do we live the rest of our lives without James? … Jim … Jamie … Jimmy … Buck.

She called him her “big teddy bear of a friend”. Aston spoke of Gandolfini’s enormous heart, his poetry, his random silly emails, and his vulnerability. She also shared with us a little humor to lighten the mood. Aston stated that at times, James struggled with accepting himself where he fell short, so she would tell him what he told her long ago backstage in New York.

Aston, what’s the worst that can happen? We suck.

Laughter followed and Aston reverted back to a sincere remembrance of her dear friend James who “was never embarrassed of her laugh”.

6. Chase Shares a Funny Anecdote About Tony Soprano’s Run-in With a Fridge

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Adding some more humor to the day in order to celebrate a funny memory of Gandolfini, Sopranos creator David Chase shared a story from the set of The Sopranos. One day at work, Steve VanZandt and James Gandolfini had to film a scene where Tony Soprano was getting news about the death of someone and it was “inconvenient” for him. Gandolfini was supposed to begin the scene by opening a refrigerator door and closing it angrily before he speaks. This did not go as planned.

And the cameras rolled, and you opened the refrigerator door, and you slammed it really hard … hard enough that it came back open again. And so you slammed it again. Then it came open again. You kept slamming it and slamming it and slamming it and slamming it. You went ape-shit on that refrigerator.

His partner in the scene, “Stevie”, didn’t really know how his character should react and the crew eventually had to call “cut”. Try as the crew may, they couldn’t fix the refrigerator. Nothing worked and they couldn’t get another one, which held up filming the whole day. With all the trouble this caused, Gandolfini begun to complain a little to which Chase replied:

Did I tell you to destroy the refrigerator? Did it say in the script, “Tony destroys a refrigerator”? It says “Tony angrily shuts the refrigerator door.” That’s what it says. You destroyed the fridge!

7. James’ Son Michael Has a New Goal for his Young Sister Lily

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When dear friend Thomas Richardson delivered his speech, he commended Gandolfini’s son Michael.

You have shown such strength during an unbearable time.

He then told us all Michael’s ultimate goal. His goal is to carry on his father’s memory to his baby sister Lily who will not have memories of her own. His goal is to show Lily her father’s “goodness and generosity”.

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Young Michael was a pallbearer for his father’s casket.

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8. David Chase Said James Gandolfini Just Couldn’t Take the Heat

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We are of course referring to New Jersey’s ridiculously hot summers. Chase recalled how Gandolfini would deal with the New Jersey heat like a true Italian. He’d sit on an aluminum beach chair with his pants rolled up, having his black socks and shoes completely showing, and wet handkerchief laying across his head like an old school Italian man. Chase remembers thinking:

Well, that’s really not a cool look.

He then talked about how he was filled with love and referenced the habits of his Italian uncles and grandfather who used to do the same thing. Chase also noted Gandolfini’s boyish quality, sweetly honoring him by saying:

You were a great actor because of that boy inside.

9. A Performance from Les Miserables Drew Tears from Attendees

Baritone Jesse Blumberg is singing bring him home from les mis at the funeral of #RIPJamesGandolfini

— Tony Lally (@tonynewquay) June 27, 2013

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Famous Baritone singer Jesse Blumberg honored guests by singing a piece from Les Miserables called “Bring Him Home”. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house with Blumberg’s amazing voice and lyrics like:

God on high
Hear my prayer
In my need
You have always been there

He is young
He’s afraid
Let him rest
Heaven blessed.
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home.

It was such a powerful moment in that great hall with Blumberg’s tremendous voice carrying throughout the room … so much emotion.

10. The Truth Behind Why Gandolfini Sometimes Snapped Was Explained

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In Chase’s “letter” to Gandolfini today, he addressed some of Gandolfini’s negative attention in the media explaining:

Sometimes, your efforts were at cost to you and others, but you tried. And I’m thinking about the fact of how nice you were to strangers on the street, fans, photographers. You would be patient, loving and personal, and then finally you would just do too much. Then you would snap. And that’s of course what everybody read about … the snapping.

R.I.P. James Gandolfini. Our thoughts are with you and all who you touched.

Margaret Thatcher’s funeral service on Thursday at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral will attract an audience of around 2,000 politicians, dignitaries and celebrities.

All the current members of the British government are invited, as are all living US Presidents.

Read More From Heavy

Margaret Thatcher Dies: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know

Here’s what you need to know about the most important attendees:

The Queen and Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth II was born in the same year as Margaret Thatcher. Part of the duties of the Prime Minister is to meet with the Queen on a regular basis to discuss government policies. It was assumed that Thatcher and the queen would get along famously, but many reports suggest their relationship was quite frosty.

In her later years Thatcher however maintained that her and the Queen had a very amicable relationship and any discontent was stirred up by the press.

Hillary Clinton

The former Secretary of State and First Lady, Clinton is known admirer of Thatcher. It was said that Clinton’s failed 2008 presidential bid adopted very similar themes to Thatcher’s numerous successful electoral campaigns. Clinton’s head-strategist, Mark Penn, wrote this in 2006 about their campaign:

We are more Thatcher than anyone else – top of the university, a high achiever throughout life, a lawyer who could absorb and analyse problems…

John Major

Thatcher’s successor as Prime Minister in 1990, he was the first-choice of the Iron Lady as the next PM, as she would do anything to resist the challenge of her Conservative foe Michael Hesseltine. Major was at the helm when the Conservative party lost their first general election in 18 years to Tony Blair’s New Labor in 1997.

Tony Blair

The former British Prime Minister and someone who adopted many of Thatcher’s economic policies despite supposed different ideologies. Thatcher was famously complimentary of Blair, which was shocking since she rarely had anything nice to say about politicians from the other side of the bench.

Newt Gingrich

Margaret Thatcher, Pope John Paul and Ronald Reagan changed history. The world would be a much different place without them.

— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) April 8, 2013

Gingrich has previously been criticized for comparing himself to Thatcher.

Joan Collins

The former Dynasty star has said that her character in the show, Alexis Colby, was based on the Iron Lady.

Jeremy Clarkson

One of the more unusual names to appear on the list, the presenter of BBC’s mega-hit motor show Top Gear will attend. Other than the fact Clarkson, judging by his anti-PC stance on most issues, probably votes Conservative, it’s difficult to understand the invite. He joked about the invite on Twitter:

Many questions about why Im going to the Maggon’s funeral. She was a massive Top Gear fan. Her favourite car was the Mercedes SLS.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) April 11, 2013

Tim Rice

The multi-multi-award-winning musical lyricist was a noted supporter of Thatcher during the 1980s. Rice helped to create the Broadway hits: The Lion King, Evita, and Jesus Christ Superstar to name but a few. Rice maintains the invite despite his own comments about the Conservative party these days, The Guardian reported in 2007:

Sir Tim Rice, the hit lyricist who has been a Tory party conference fundraiser and donor, said today that he was now “unloved” by the Conservatives.

He claimed that they were no longer interested in him or his “Neanderthal views”.

Writing in the Spectator magazine, Sir Tim said: “It has finally dawned on me that my relationship with the Conservative party has irrevocably changed.

Frederick Forsyth

The famed thriller novelist, who produced such bestsellers as The Day of the Jackal and The Odessa File, has been an outspoken supporter of the Conservative party throughout all of his public life.

A Representative of Nelson Mandela

It’s unclear just who that representative will be, but Mandela himself was invited but cannot attend due to health problems. The invite comes in spite Thatcher’s support for the Apartheid regime that kept Mandela in prison for 30 years. Thatcher said of Mandela and the African National Congress in 1987:

The ANC is a typical terrorist organisation … Anyone who thinks it is going to run the government in South Africa is living in cloud-cuckoo land…

One of Thatcher’s supporters in government, Terry Dicks, said of Mandela, when the former South African president refused a request to meet Thatcher after his release from prison:

How much longer will the Prime Minister allow herself to be kicked in the face by this black terrorist?

Mandela and Thatcher did eventually meet at government buildings in late 1990.

Also in attendance will be the last white South African Prime Minister, F.W. de Clerk.

Shirley Bassey

The famed Welsh singer of James Bond themes, Bassey performed at Thatcher’s 80th birthday party in 2005. Bassey’s relationship to Thatcher is unclear.

Reportedly former First Lady Nancy Reagan is “heartbroken” that she cannot attend the funeral due to her own poor health.

Mikhail Gorbachev also cannot attend due to ill-health.

Thatcher’s old sparring partner Neil Kinnock also cannot attend due to another funeral he has to be at in Wales.

On March 1, Darlene Davidson was buried — or at least that’s what’s her family thought. While friends and relatives joined together for the 82-year-old grandmother’s funeral, Darlene’s body was not the one in the casket. The Davidsons buried the wrong woman while their loved one remained above ground.

When Davidson’s husband Evans Davidson went to identity the body at the Los Angeles area mortuary, he noticed his wife looked different.  But his doubts were dispelled after the mortician convinced the grieving widower that the corpse in the casket just “looked different due to funeral parlor make-up.”

Days later when another family went to the same mortuary to claim their loved one, they realized she was not the one in the casket. In fact, their relative was 6 feet under Darlene Davidson’s headstone. The mortuary has since offered to exhume the body.

“I was already torn apart and then this. It’s unbelievable,” said Davidson’s son, Eric Haynes, in tears.

Unlike the misidentified corpse, this mistake could not be buried. Now the mortuary could face sanctions and may have their license revoked.

Reginald Black, a spokesman for the mortuary, apologized for the mistake.

Another funeral will be held for Darlene Davidson on Wednesday. The family has since gone to the mortuary with their attorney to make sure another switcharoo doesn’t happen again.

Former President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez, who died on Tuesday after a battle with cancer, will be embalmed and put on display in a glass casket for eternity at a military museum, reports The Guardian.

“It has been decided that the body of the comandante will be embalmed so that it remains eternally on view for the people at the museum,” Nicolás Maduro, the country’s acting president, said.

A state funeral will be held for the late president on Friday in Caracas, where over 30 world leaders, mostly from Latin America and the Caribbean, will attend. More than two million mourners have already paid their respects to Chavez, whose body is currently at the museum and will remain for “at least seven more days.” The museum will eventually become his permanent home.

“We have decided to prepare the body of our ‘Comandante President,’ to embalm it so that it remains open for all time for the people. Just like Ho Chi Minh. Just like Lenin. Just like Mao Zedong,” Maduro said.

Chavez will join other select world leaders who were embalmed and put on permanent display, including Russia’s Vladimir Lenin, North Korea’s Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh, and China’s Mao Zedong.

The funeral ceremony for the president will begin at 11 a.m. local time in the capital of Caracas on Friday.

Read More From Heavy

Hugo Chavez Has Died: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know

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A chronically-ill Canadian man has done away with tradition and hosted his own wake – complete with pig roast, Supertramp tribute band and hearse rides.

Reg Lansdowne, from Wallaceburg, Ontario, suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and fears he doesn’t have long left to live.

Knowing his days are numbered, Lansdowne decided to forgo the sad and dreary funeral held in tribute of most recently departed, and while he was still living, throw himself “the world’s best party”.

Held at the local Canadian Belgian Dutch Club, Lansdowne invited all his friends and family, and using money he inherited from his mother’s passing, put on quite a shindig.

He told the Toronto Star:

Why should everyone have to spend my inheritance and have the party without me? I got to hug and kiss everybody; we all talked, and everything else. When I die … there’s no funeral. That was it.

Guests were treated to a Supertramp tribute band, a pig roast, and Lansdowne in a suit and tie, posing for pictures in a pine coffin.

After the eulogies, the assistant funeral director at a local funeral home gave Lansdowne a ride around the block in the hearse.

Lansdowne calls it the best party he’s ever been to – that is until the next one, planned this weekend to celebrate his birthday.

“Why should everyone have to spend my inheritance and have the party without me?” Reg Lansdowne explains his wake: bit.ly/YKZh5p

— Katie Daubs (@kdaubs) March 1, 2013

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