Amy Winehouse's nearest and dearest are preparing to lay her to rest.In contrast to the very public manner in which she lived her life, the family said they would be holding a private service on Tuesday to honour their beloved daughter, sister and niece. The announcement by her grieving parents came after police said it could be up to four weeks before test results establish a cause of death for the 27-year-old.
A spokesman for the family said: "The funeral will take place on Tuesday and will be a family and close friends affair." He would not reveal details about the location or time of the funeral, which Jewish law states has to take place as soon as possible. Scotland Yard said it is waiting for the results of toxicology tests after an autopsy failed to establish a formal cause of death. An inquest has been opened but no cause of death given. Coroner's officer Sharon Duff described the circumstances around Amy's death as "non-suspicious". The coroner has adjourned the inquest until October 26.
Meanwhile, the singer's father Mitch, a cab driver who had recently begun performing jazz too, paid an emotional visit to her house in Camden, North London, which has become a focal point for grieving fans.The grief-stricken father was joined by Amy's mother Janis and her brother Alex as he viewed flowers, messages and photos left in her memory. Reg Traviss, a film director who'd been dating the star until recently, completed the family group. "I've lost my darling who I loved very much," he told The Sun. "The last three days have been hell. "The filmmaker stood beside her father lost in his own thoughts. Sobbing openly, Mitch told the crowd the family were "devastated" adding: "You people in the street, I can't tell you what this means to us – it really is making this a lot easier for us. "Amy was about one thing and that was love, her whole life was devoted to her family and her friends and to you guys as well. "We're devastated and I'm speechless but thanks for coming."
