Family and Friends Have Gathered for Brittany Murphy's Funeral

Thu, 24 December 2009 22:42:12 ET

The co-denominational funeral service, which was attended by a small group of family and friend including actor Eric Balfour, was presided over by a rabbi and a pastor.

A small group of Brittany Murphy's family and friends have gathered at Forest Lawn Memorial Park's Church of the Hills on December 24 for a somber farewell. The New York Daily News reported the funeral service was held at the Bright Eternity section of Forest Lawn Memorial Park and was presided over by both a pastor and a rabbi.

Among the 20-25 mourners coming to pay their last respect to the late actress were husband Simon Monjack, mother Sharon, director Penny Marshall and longtime friend actor Eric Balfour. Eric, the "24" actor, was one of the appointed pallbearers at the invitation-only ceremony. His brother Simon also served as pallbearer. "Amazing Grace" was sung during the service.

Of the service, family representative Alex Ben Block said it was "very nice, very respectful". The longtime family friend who also served as pallbearer, in addition, explained the small number of those gathering, stating "She had a lot of people who loved her, but it's by invitation only. This is really intended for a very small group."

While this service was held only for the invited, others will have their chance to say their goodbye when a public memorial is held. Block mentioned that one is being planned. He said, "There are plans to have a more public memorial sometime in the new year when other people can come remember and share memories of her, but today is just small and very private for those close to her." Details are yet disclosed.

Brittany Murphy passed away on Sunday, December 20. She was pronounced dead at 10:04 A.M. after going in full cardiac arrest. Before being rushed to the hospital, she was found by her mother collapsed in the shower. Autopsy on her body was completed on Monday, December 21, but the exact cause of death will be officially determined until toxicology tests are finished in four to six weeks.

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