Former Home And Away star Cornelia Frances died aged 77 on Monday, May 28, after losing her battle with cancer.
And on Thursday, a private funeral organised by her son Lawrence Eastland was held in Sydney to farewell the beloved Australian actress.
Lawrence spoke to Woman’s Day on Monday about his loss: ‘Mum was my best friend, we had no secrets. I was so proud of her. I’m keeping a candle burning in her honour.’
‘Mum is finally at peace’: A private funeral is held for beloved actress Cornelia Frances by son Lawrence Eastland after the TV icon dies of cancer at 77 (Cornelia pictured in her final days)
Roles: The veteran performer played Morag Bellingham on Home And Away (PICTURED) on-and-off between 1988 and 2017, and is also known for acting roles on Prisoner, Sons and Daughter, The Young Doctors, and as a host of The Weakest Link
The veteran performer played Morag Bellingham on Home And Away on-and-off between 1988 and 2017, and is also known for acting roles on Prisoner, Sons and Daughter, The Young Doctors, and as a host of The Weakest Link.
Cornelia was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016, and although she underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment, the cancer spread to her hip and spine.
According to the publication, friends and family told outrages stories and fond memories they shared with the late star at the private funeral.
Lawrence says what he’ll miss most about his mother is her smile, her generosity of spirit and her sparkling sense of humour.
‘I’m keeping a candle burning in her honour’: According to son Lawrence (R), friends and family told outrages stories and fond memories they shared with the late star at the private funeral in Sydney on Thursday
Lawrence had previously shared a heartbreaking photo of his mother in her final days on Instagram, following her death.
‘A very personal photo of my mum during one of her resting moments. She is so peaceful, soft and serene. I truly love this woman,’ he wrote in the touching tribute.
He also told the publication: ‘I was by her side, holding her hand when she took her last breath. She slipped away in her sleep. It was serene. There was no pain. I feel relieved that Mum is finally at peace.’
‘I was by her side, holding her hand when she took her last breath’: Son Lawrence revealed his last moments with his mum to the publication, but insisted it was ‘serene’ and with ‘no pain’
‘Cornelia was very loved and respected. She’ll be sadly missed’: Many family, friends, fans and former co-stars, including Home And Away’s Ada Nicodemou (middle), reacted to the news on social media with heartfelt words
Lawrence said in her final months, friends and family members regularly visited the sick actress, noting Home And Away’s Ray Meagher frequently provided company at her bedside.
Ray, who played Cornelia’s on-screen brother Alf Stewart said on Tuesday: ‘Cornie was an incredibly loved and valued member of our cast over many, many years.’
Home and Away stalwart Ada Nicodemou, 41, who has played Leah Patterson-Baker since 2000, also shared her condolences: ‘Cornelia was very loved and respected. She’ll be sadly missed.’
Lawrence’s father, Cornelia’s former husband Michael Eastland, died of cancer just four years before his mother was diagnosed in 2016.
‘Cornie was an incredibly loved and valued member of our cast’: Home And Away’s Ray Meagher(L) frequently provided company at Cornelia’s (R) bedside during her final months, and shared a tribute to the star when news of her death was reported
Meanwhile, it’s believed Cornelia could be honoured with a posthumous award at the Logies this July.
TV Tonight reports that while the veteran actress, who also starred in Sons and Daughters and The Young Doctors, cannot be recognised with the Hall of Fame award, there is a push for her to be honoured with an accolade.
Cornelia was nominated for a Logie six times throughout her career.
It’s believed Cornelia could be honoured with a posthumous award at the Logies this July