Natasha Richardson Buried Near Upstate Home

LITHGOW, N.Y. — A somber group of friends and family gathered in a small Hudson Valley town Sunday to say a final farewell to Tony Award-winning actress Natasha Richardson.

Liam Neeson, in a dark suit and sunglasses, was at the head of the casket as he and five other pallbearers carried his wife's coffin into St. Peter's Episcopal Church, near the home where the two married in 1994.

He and Richardson's mother, actress Vanessa Redgrave, waved to the dozens of reporters crowded behind a police barricade on the dirt road leading to the tiny white clapboard church. The grieving family _ including the couple's two sons, Micheal, 13, and Daniel, 12 _ then paused to allow the media to photograph them in front of church before the service.

Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Laura Linney, Uma Thurman and Timothy Dalton were among the friends who filed into the church on the chilly spring afternoon.

After a graveside service under a large green tent, the 45-year-old actress was buried in a nearby cemetery, amid hilly horse farms about 80 miles north of New York City.

She was laid to rest near the grave of her maternal grandmother, the actress Rachel Kempson, who died while visiting her granddaughter and Neeson at their home in nearby Millbrook in 2003. Neeson and the Redgrave family, including Richardson's sister, actress Joely Richardson, visited Kempson's grave after the burial.

Richardson died Wednesday at a Manhattan hospital after falling while skiing Monday at the Mont Tremblant resort in the Canadian province of Quebec. The New York City medical examiner's office said Richardson suffered from an epidural hematoma, which causes bleeding between the skull and the brain's covering. She wasn't wearing a helmet when she fell.

Richardson is descended from one of Britain's great acting dynasties but built her own reputation in films such as "Patty Hearst" and "The Handmaid's Tale," as well as for her work on the stage. She won a Tony for her role in the 1998 revival of "Cabaret."

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She costarred with future husband Neeson in the 1993 revival of Eugene O'Neill's "Anna Christie." The two married at their secluded Millbrook home the next year.

The famous couple was well known in this area, which counts many celebrities among its part-time residents.

"She was a lovely lady," said local resident Steve Lyall. "We'll miss her in the community."

The ceremony Sunday caps off a grim week during which Neeson greeted a stream of friends and family during a private viewing Friday at the American Irish Historical Society. Celebrities paying respects this week included Diane Sawyer, Ethan Hawke and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Theaters on Broadway and London's West End dimmed their lights this week in honor of Richardson.

Her final feature film, "Wild Child," has been released internationally but not in the U.S., and Universal Pictures said a U.S. release date had not been scheduled.

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Associated Press video journalists Ted Shaffrey and John Carucci contributed to this report.

Comments

[NightOwl11]

Is there any information on whether Natasha
Richardson was still conscious when Mr. Neeson
reached her in Canada? Did they have a chance
to say goodbye?

[chardonnay48]

It just made me ill when I heard of her passing. I just loved her.

[Wiseup2Day]

The other guy in the pic with Fienes is the guy Jeff who does the reunion interviews on Housewives Of OC and ATL and NYC. He was friends with Natasha and got her to do Top Chef for the amFar event this past season.

[LondonTownNY]

To quote Billy Joel "Only The Good Die Young" There is just something so strangely sad and tragic about this woman's death, a gifted actress, humanitarian and citizen of the world.

[Bontempo]

It is a tribute to the woman that ordinary people like me, who never met her, are feeling such a deep loss. A young woman, struck down in her prime in front of her children, leaving an adoring husband to mourn for her....it is not natural and it is extremely sad.

I feel deeply for her mother and all the family, and hope that they will be able to someday move forward. The boys are adorable, and look like their dad so much. They will be a great comfort to him.

Cherish every moment......

[Dredd]

Best wishes to the family.

[beanchihuahua]

Okay great, she's buried..Now can the media lay off the family and give them time to grieve without flashbulbs popping in their faces?

[JenniferEccles]

I do understand your annoyance at popping flashbulbs yet my impression has been that Ms Richardson's family didn't let it get in their way.

It says in the article that Mr. Neeson and family paused to have their photo taken. My first thought was "grace under pressure". No fuss, no complaints. They understood the press and public have an interest, they took the 5 seconds out to pose for photographers, and went on their way.

[Bigidea]

R. I. P

[srhMayheM]

My heart goes out to the family, stay strong.

[leeha]

I don't know. I think these photos of the funeral is another example of our media going to far.

[cruisepuppy7452a]

Upon hearing of this loss, I had a thought, one I am sure she would have approved of. I deeply hope all couples take the time, to smell the roses, look at the stars, appreciate the simple things in life. Nobody knows how long we have on this earth, or with our loved ones. I hope no matter how old or young, you take the time to hold each other's hands, look deeply into thier eyes, tell them every day, in every way, you love them, appreciate them, honor them. Its easy when life gets busy to take for granted the things we have, the people we have in your life, and to forget to laugh, remember not to sweat the small things, celebrate the smallest of victories. Natasha's death reminded me to tell my child I love her, my parents I love them, my boyfriend, he is the best gift I have been given. Honor her today, tomorrow and forever by doing this with your loved ones. Its something you cannot do enough, say enough or show enough.

[markstl3828]

My condolences to the family and her friends. What a class act.

[fregan]

was Lynn Redgrave there?

[chacounne]

Yes, there a photograph of her greeting Susan Sarandan at the church.

Just trying to help,
Heather

[mssreader]

There were two photos of her at the burial. She was wearing a long pale green coat also one of her entering the hospital before Natasha's death.

[fregan]

I'm moved that she was buried in the US. This renowned English family seems to have completely emigrated here. They are welcome here.

[freshnotbitter]

There was something special about Natasha's acting. it was as if the girl next door that you were so well acquainted with had suddenly stepped into the scene when she appeared and it made it all so real.

I will really miss her and I am so deeply sorry that she is gone.

[Siren]

What lucky people we are she leaves behind her work that we can still enjoy and appreciate..

[JinMN]

I'm watching the White Countness-I have about an hour left she is great in it.

[mssreader]

I loved it when it came out because I love all the
Redgraves and seeing them all together is a rarity. I saw Vanessa on Stage in London when she was young and I shall never forget her vibrancy and beauty. This family has acting in their genes. Didn't see Gemma Redgave during these days though. She's one of the greats of this generation.