As funerals go, this was nice and simple. Lots of music, enough religion and my friend Sally gave the eulogy. She's a professional writer so it was absolutely the most beautiful tribute, without mytholigizing her sister. It was a very compassionate, heartfelt message, and then she read a poem and the husband also read some poetry. This was all so sudden that everyone was still in shock. It was also emotional for the old girlfriend who had been so close to the family and is trying to be supportive but broke down thinking about how close she was to my friend's niece and wanting to be there for her. Maybe it will all work out.
I saw a lot of old friends there and we plan to take our friend out once things calm down.