Brittany Murphy's Family Issues Statement, Expresses Their 'Devastation'

Brittany Murphy’s family issued an official statement after her funeral Thursday, recalling her as “an incredibly loving and passionate person.”

The actress, 32, was laid to rest with a small, private ceremony at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. She died suddenly Dec. 20 after suffering cardiac arrest.

The official statement from her publicist noted that Christmas was Brittany’s favorite holiday and asked that everyone who wishes to remember her light a candle.

Here is the entire statement:

“Today a wife, a daughter, a niece, a cousin, a family member and dear friend to thousands was laid to rest.  Brittany was an incredibly loving and passionate person and an artist to her core- she loved acting, singing,  dancing, and performing.  There are no words that can truly express the devastation felt by Brittany’s husband, mother, and everyone who attended the intimate service.

“At the funeral, Simon described his loving relationship with Brittany and how she was his best friend and soul mate.  He went on to say that mystery is the nature of love, and you never know when or where it will strike or how quickly it will be taken from you.  He also said that he knows the closeness and beauty of their love will live on forever.

“Several of Brittany’s closest friends and her cousin also recalled their favorite memories, concluding with an excerpt from The Little Prince, one of her favorite books.

“Brittany’s body was interred at Forest Lawn at twilight with the reading of the Kaddish and the singing of Amazing Grace.  A bright light that lit the world is forever dimmed, but will live on in the hearts of those that Brittany touched.

“Christmas was Brittany’s favorite holiday. So the family asks that all those who wish to honor her light a candle and remember the beautiful angel that entertained, enlightened, and made the world a better place.

“Born 1977 - Died 2009.  Brittany Murphy is survived by her husband Simon Monjack and her mother Sharon Murphy.”