“True inspiration” Liz Dawn shone with generosity and humour as she went from humble working class roots to become a “national icon”, mourners at the much-loved soap actress’s funeral heard.
Stars of Coronation Street past and present joined her family and friends to pay their respects at Salford Cathedral to the 77-year-old, who played the part of battleaxe Vera Duckworth on the Weatherfield cobbles for 34 years.
Dawn shone in her role as the wife of henpecked husband Jack, played by the late Bill Tarmey, as the duo endeared themselves to millions of Corrie’s fans.
She had been diagnosed with the lung disease emphysema in 2001 and was written out of the show in 2008 at her request.
Dawn – real name Sylvia Ann Ibbetson – died peacefully last month but the congregation was told by her son Graham that the family only learned recently that medics did not think in 2001 she would survive beyond five years.
Cast members Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor) and Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs) delivered a joint tribute to Dawn at the Requiem Mass and both had to comfort each other at times as they recalled when they joined the cast as teenagers and entered the turbulent world of Jack and Vera.
Alan Halsall and his wife Lucy-Jo Hudson were both cast-mates (Peter Byrne/PA)
Longchambon broke into tears as she told mourners: “Liz was undoubtedly a wonderful, kind, funny and considerate person, and someone whose generosity knew no bounds.”
Her co-star consoled her with an arm around her back and Longchambon later returned the favour when Halsall’s voice broke when he spoke of Dawn’s dedication to her four children, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and her “devoted” husband Don.
Samia Longchambon briefly broke down in tears during the service (Peter Byrne/PA)
Longchambon told how “our beloved friend Liz Dawn” went from “humble, working class roots in Leeds” to become a “national icon”.
Helen Worth attended the service (Peter Byrne/PA)
Chris Gascoyne (Peter Byrne/PA)
Co-stars Sally Dynevor and Michael LeVell arriving at Salford Cathedral (Peter Byrne/PA)
She said: “Her formidable partnership with Bill Tarmey is etched forever in the programme’s history as over three decades they entertained us with their incredible wit and legendary Duckworth sparring matches, written so beautifully and enhanced by their gutsy, honest performances.
“Liz was always a force to be reckoned with and someone we all looked up to and admired.
“A doting mother of four, she used her celebrity status to make the world a better place.
“She wanted to share her good fortune with everyone and was the first to help charities that sought her patronage and support.”
David Neilson arriving at Salford Cathedral (Peter Byrne/PA)
Former co-star Bruce Jones (Peter Byrne/PA)
Co-star Jack P Shepherd arrives for the service (Peter Byrne/PA)
Dawn delighted in channelling her energies into raising funds for St James’s Hospital in Leeds when she was bestowed the honour of lady mayoress of the city, she said, and felt “extremely privileged” to be awarded an MBE for her services to charity.
Halsall said: “Liz was a true inspiration and was always so generous with her time. And she never expected anything in return.”
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