Funeral of fashion designer Kate Spade to be held in Kansas

HOURS before mourners gathered at a funeral for handbag designer Kate Spade, her family was hit with another unthinkable tragedy.

JUST weeks after designer Kate Spade died by suicide and one night before her funeral, her father, Earl Frank Brosnahan, Jr., passed away at the age of 89.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that Katy’s father, Earl F. Brosnahan, Jr. (Frank), passed away last night at age 89,” the family said in a statement.

“He had been in failing health of late and was heartbroken over the recent death of his beloved daughter. He was at home and surrounded by family at the time of his passing.”

Spade has been buried to rest during a service in Kansas City, where she was born.

Services for Spade were planned for 3pm (6am AEST) at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Church.

Actor David Spade attends the funeral service for American fashion designer, Kate Spade. Picture: Jay Biggerstaff/MEGA

Husband Andy Spade. Picture: Dave Kaup / Splash News

Mourners gathered to attend the service. Picture: Jay Biggerstaff/MEGA

A funeral director carries the remains of Kate. Picture: AP/Orlin Wagner

Andy Spade and brother David arrive at the funeral. Picture: Dave Kaup / Splash News

Her father, before his death, said it was the same church where Spade’s grandparents were married.

Spade died on June 5 in her New York City home. She was 55 and had a 13-year-old daughter.

Spade was working as an accessories editor at Mademoiselle magazine when she launched her company with husband Andy Spade in 1993.

Kate Spade with husband Andy (R) and brother-in-law David Spade (L). Picture: Getty.

Andy Spade said the designer suffered depression and anxiety for many years and in a statement released earlier this month said his wife was regularly seeing a doctor and was taking medication for her condition.

Kate Spade and husband Andy Spade attend CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund Awards in 2008. Picture: Getty

He said he and his wife had been living separately in the 10 months before her death but saw each other or spoke every day. He said they were not legally separated and never discussed divorce.

Kate Spade poses with her handbags and shoes in her New York store. Picture: AP

Coach, now known as Tapestry, bought the Kate Spade brand last year for $US2.4 billion ($3.25 billion). Kate and Andy Spade recently had started a new handbag company, Frances Valentine.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or a Kansas City animal shelter.

If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide contact Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 22 46 36, or Salvo Care Line 1300 36 36 22.