Dame Maggie Smith hailed 'true legend' as she's laid to rest in 'poignant but not sad' funeral in London

SUSSEX, ENGLAND: Dame Maggie Smith was laid to rest on Monday, November 4, in an intimate ceremony more than a month after her death.

The service, described as "poignant but not sad," paid tribute to the extraordinary life and career of the Oscar-winning actress who died in September at the age of 89.

Maggie Smith laid to rest in 'beautiful goodbye' funeral service

Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, Dame Maggie Smith won the hearts of audiences worldwide through unforgettable performances such as her role as Professor McGonagall in 'Harry Potter' and Dowager Countess in 'Downton Abbey'.

Her death sparked an outpouring of grief and fond memories from fans and colleagues, with many honoring her as "a true legend" of the screen.

Held at Mortlake Crematorium in Richmond, south-west London, the service was attended by Smith's close family, friends, and colleagues.

Guests gathered at 4 pm for a ceremony that one attendee described as "beautiful, warm, and full of laughter."

According to attendees, "brilliant eulogies" were shared, hymns were "belted out," and the atmosphere was one of fond remembrance, according to Daily Mail.

"It was such a beautiful goodbye to Maggie," one guest shared.

"It was warm and funny and full of love, with brilliant eulogies and the best hymns being belted out by all. It was poignant but not sad because hers was a life so richly lived," they added.

Honoring Maggie Smith's legacy with a heartfelt tribute

The order of service featured a touching tribute to Dame Maggie Smith with a childhood photo on the cover and a later image of her smiling on the back.

The memorial card read, "In loving memory of Dame Margaret Natalie Smith," paying homage to the actress' remarkable journey from east London to the heights of international fame.

Dame Maggie's two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, had announced her death with "great sadness" in an emotional statement, paying tribute to their "extraordinary" mother who was "intensely private" and surrounded by loved ones at the end.

"She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September," they shared.

In their statement, Larkin and Stephens expressed their deep gratitude to the staff of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days," they added.

Smith’s funeral was held at Mortlake Crematorium, a resting place for several prominent figures, including former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Margaret Thatcher and comedian Tommy Cooper.