Sydney identities attend funeral of Elizabeth Buttrose
Fadi Ibrahim and Maria Venuti were among several Sydney identities at the funeral of Elizabeth Buttrose, farewelled on what would have been her 79th birthday.
NSW
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The Buttrose family put their differences aside to celebrate the life of family matriarch Robyn ‘Elizabeth’ Buttrose.
Several Sydney identities, including Fadi Ibrahim and Elizabeth’s media doyenne sister-in-law, Ita Buttrose, attended her funeral on what would have been her 79th birthday.
Elizabeth, who died on September 20, was the widow of respected economist and banker Will Buttrose, and sister-in-law to media maven Ita.
She was also mother of budding lawyer and reformed A-list cocaine dealer Richard, legal practice director Evie and former Sydney socialite turned lawyer Lizzie.
“It was mum showering love down on us from heaven,” Lizzie told The Daily Telegraph.
“It was a beautiful service, we all came together. Richard and Evie gave gorgeous eulogies, I couldn’t have gotten up their myself. They represented us perfectly.”
Richard remembered his mum as a “warm, welcoming and loving” woman.
“It was a beautiful send off for our mum in front of a packed house,” he said.
“Everyone there commented about how warm and welcoming she was. She will be deeply missed. It was a very special service ... bridges were mended and memories shared, there was a strong sense of unity.”
The funeral, held at St Mary Magdalene Church in Rose Bay, was attended by a large crowd, including Richard Pratt’s ex Shari-Lea Hitchcock, and former fashion designer Charlie Brown.
It was a traditional Catholic service, presided over by Father Chris Slattery.
Neil Diamond’s Cherry Cherry played as the recessional hymn with up to 300 mourners paying their respects.
Publicist Gemma Oldfield was also present, as well as socialite and businesswoman Christa Billich.
Public relations guru Tiffany Farrington, married to Richard, and Australian performer Maria Venuti also attended to pay their respects.
Following Elizabeth’s death, Ita told the Telegraph her sister-in-law was “now at peace”.
“She was loved by all and we have wonderful memories from when we were younger,” she said.
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