Farewell, Natasha | 03/23/2009 9:30 am

Friends, Family Gather for Natasha Richardson's Funeral (Photos)

By The Staff at wowOwow.com

Richardson's closest family and loved ones ©FilmMagic

Natasha Richardson’s heartsick loved ones gathered Sunday afternoon at a small church to pay their tearful respects to the Tony Award-winning actress.

Richardson’s closest family and friends attended a private ceremony inside St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, in Lithgow, NY, where Richardson lived with husband Liam Neeson and their two sons, Michael, 13, and David, 14. Mother Vanessa Redgrave and sister Joely Richardson were with close family outside the church moments before entering the somber services. Richardson, 45, was buried in a mahogany casket. Neeson, in black sunglasses and a dark suit, and other pallbearers carried his wife’s casket, the Poughkeepsie Journal reports.

The actress, who won a Tony in 1998 for her role as Sally Bowles in "Cabaret," passed away on Wednesday of brain injuries following a tragic skiing accident in Montreal, Canada. She is buried in the same cemetery as her grandmother, Rachel Kemson, the New York Post reports.

Please visit wowOwow.com later today — where Candice Bergen and other wOw women reflect on the sad loss. Click here for wOw’s photo tribute to the actress, wife and mother.

Actress Vanessa Redgrave, Micheal Neeson (3rd L), Joely Richardson (6th L), Daisy Bevan (7th L), Daniel Neeson (2nd L) and actor Liam Neeson (R) gather together prior to the funeral of actress Natasha Richardson. Neeson kindly waved "hello" at cameras.

Click here for more at the Poughkeepsie Journal.

17 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Liam Neeson is such a sweet man. In the midst of his family tragedy he waves to the camera to acknowledge that the public has been grieving with him.

By DeBúrca obj on 03/23/2009 9:59 am

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And Vanessa Redgrave too. It is just so very sad.

By Lucinda Herbert on 03/23/2009 10:17 am

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I didn’t even notice her mom was waving too, her arm in the white suit blends in. That is so gracious of them.

By DeBúrca obj on 03/23/2009 10:36 am

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I agree — especially, given their personal heartbreak. It is such a tragedy for Liam and his sons. And while the entire Redgrave clan must be suffering terribly, I can’t help but feel so very sad for Vanessa Redgrave. We’re not supposed bury our children — it’s just not the natural order of things.

By Lucinda Herbert on 03/23/2009 11:23 am

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I noticed that, too. They both realize that fans loved and admired her, too, albeit from a distance…and he has said knowing that has helped a little. It was his way of honoring that. Very generous.

By Suzanne de Cornelia on 03/23/2009 4:10 pm

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I think that family has shown such grace during this difficult time. I truly hope they are able to break down and let the grief out in private.

By C Hardy on 03/23/2009 10:07 am

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They will find time to grieve in private and probably are doing it now. I remember when my mom died I was too busy arranging her funeral, disposing of her belongings, closing her home and addressing legal concerns. Once, my mom was actually buried I could exhale. My mom had everything in place therefore nothing dragged on. I will always be grateful. I think everything was settle in less than two months. This included home , personal belongings and financial assets . I was finally free! I did not have to associate with toxic people! I miss my mother . I however, have always had a sense of peace. I took care of my mom and feel I did everything a good daughter could do. When things settle down they’ll be in a better position to decide what their future plans are.

By L. C. on 03/23/2009 11:17 am

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Yes, when the shock wears off, and the ‘duty’ things are over that have carried you along, there is plenty of time to think. It will take a very long time for them to find a new way with this enormous hole in their hearts and their lives.

By Suzanne de Cornelia on 03/23/2009 4:12 pm

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Suzanne,

As we know it’s a blessing that Nature has a way of protecting us……..puts us in a state of Shock.

My heart goes out to that family. It’s strange how when someone we know or know of dies it brings back our own losses and makes us feel sad with them. How are you doing Suzanne?

By Dona Howlett on 03/25/2009 1:36 am

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This is such a tragic story. I hope that people will leave them alone and give them the time they need to grieve the loss of such a beautiful young woman. I will keep them all in my prayers.

By canuck canuck on 03/23/2009 2:18 pm

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I agree with you canuck canuck. Please let this family grieve in private. Allow them space and time to pull themselves together. No mother is prepared to bury a child. No child is prepared to lose their parent at such a young age. No husband expects to be both parents to such beautiful young men. My prayers to this family. Be strong and love one another as your mother and wife would have wanted you to. Elizabeth Roy

By Elizabeth Roy on 03/23/2009 4:56 pm

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and Franco Nero at Vanessa’s side, their son with his eyes on them both.

By Emcye Edwards on 03/23/2009 8:41 pm

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I ‘ve always been a great admirer of Vanessa Redgrave…She and Liam’s acknowledgement of the public/fans shows grace and class. I am glad that theirs is a close family, particularly for the sake of the boys. My heart goes out to them and my prayers will be lifted out for them.

By Melanie Waldrop on 03/24/2009 2:59 pm

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So many lovely, heartwarming things have been said about this woman who was obviously a rare, beautiful woman inside and out. She touched so many lives - seemed to have a natural affinity for people and was not "full of herself". She had a warm, loving heart - so many people loved and admired her. Her time here was too short - she will never be forgotten. Fortunately, her sons are old enough to remember everything they loved about her. My heart and prayers go out to her family!

By Pdr de on 03/25/2009 8:19 am