Dame Maggie Smith was laid to rest on Monday, November 4, in an intimate and heartfelt funeral service at Mortlake Crematorium in Richmond, London. The legendary actress, known for her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, passed away on September 27 at the age of 89.

According to reports from the Daily Mail, the service was a touching and joyful celebration of Smith’s life. A guest in attendance shared, “Such a beautiful goodbye to Maggie Smith today. It was warm and funny and full of love and brilliant eulogies, with the best hymns belted out by all. It was poignant but not sad because hers was a life so richly lived.”

Mortlake Crematorium, a historic location that has also hosted funeral services for notable figures such as former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and comedian Tommy Cooper, served as a fitting farewell venue for the celebrated actress.

Smith is survived by her two sons, actors Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, and five grandchildren. Stephens, known for his role in Black Sails, and Larkin, recognized from Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, released a statement upon her passing. “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” they wrote. “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Born in Ilford, England, on December 28, 1934, Maggie Smith enjoyed an illustrious career that spanned over seven decades. She earned numerous accolades, including Tonys and Oscars, but became most beloved for her roles as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey.

Following her death, tributes poured in from her colleagues. Daniel Radcliffe, who worked with Smith throughout the Harry Potter films, recalled their first meeting when he was just nine years old. “She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years,” Radcliffe said. “She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant, and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny.”

Dominic West, who starred alongside Smith in Downton Abbey: A New Era, shared a touching memory from 2022. During a conversation on set, Smith humorously announced her retirement, only to later reveal she had accepted another film project. “She’s booked another film. She starts next week,” West recounted, highlighting the humor and resilience that defined her extraordinary life.

As the world bids farewell to Dame Maggie Smith, her legacy as one of the greatest talents in film and theater remains celebrated. Her influence will continue to inspire both audiences and fellow actors for generations to come.