Laughter and tears mark Dame Penelope Keith's funeral

Friends and colleagues remembered Dame Penelope Keith at her funeral as a "remarkable person" whose service was filled with "laughter and tears." The beloved actress, who starred in "The Good Life" and "To The Manor Born," died peacefully at home on June 29 at the age of 86, having lived with cancer.

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wonderful, beautiful and absolutely amazing

Her coffin was carried through her home town of Milford in Surrey, where crowds lined the streets to bid farewell to the "very special lady." Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth told BBC Radio Surrey that the funeral was "a wonderful way to remember a remarkable person," noting it was "filled with a mixture of sadness but laughter and gratitude."

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died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home

Brandreth later posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the service at Guildford Cathedral was "truly beautiful and deeply moving." He described Dame Penelope as one of the kindest people, highlighting her "sense of community" and "love of Surrey." Sarah Cliff, daughter of actors Michael Robbins and Hal Dyer, shared that she knew Dame Penelope as "Auntie Penny" and described her as "great fun."

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very special lady

Doreen Walford, who had a long association with the actress, expressed her gladness at attending the procession, calling the day "absolutely amazing." The service itself was noted for its light and airy atmosphere within the cathedral.

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filled with a mixture of sadness but laughter and gratitude as well because we were celebrating a great actress