After her burial on Christmas Eve, Brittany Murphy’s family issued the following statement: “Today a wife, a daughter, a niece, a cousin, a family member and dear friend to thousands was laid to rest. Brittany was an incredibly loving and passionate person and an artist to her core — she loved acting, singing,  dancing, and performing. There are no words that can truly express the devastation felt by Brittany’s husband, mother, and everyone who attended the intimate service.

“At the funeral, Simon [Monjack, Murphy's husband] described his loving relationship with Brittany and how she was his best friend and soul mate.  He went on to say that mystery is the nature of love, and you never know when or where it will strike or how quickly it will be taken from you.  He also said that he knows the closeness and beauty of their love will live on forever.

“Several of Brittany’s closest friends and her cousin also recalled their favorite memories, concluding with an excerpt from The Little Prince, one of her favorite books.

“Brittany’s body was interred at Forest Lawn at twilight with the reading of the Kaddish and the singing of Amazing Grace.  A bright light that lit the world is forever dimmed, but will live on in the hearts of those that Brittany touched. 

“Christmas was Brittany’s favorite holiday. So the family asks that all those who wish to honor her light a candle and remember the beautiful angel that entertained, enlightened, and made the world a better place.”

More on Murphy at EW.com:
Simon Monjack speaks about his wife’s death
Friends and colleagues honor Brittany Murphy
Brittany Murphy, 32, dies of cardiac arrest
11 Roles to Remember from Brittany Murphy
Favorite Brittany Murphy memories

The LA Times confirms web reports that Brittany Murphy’s funeral is scheduled for today. The private funeral service will be held at Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills. The service is closed to the public. A spokesman told ABC News that a more public ceremony may be held in early 2010. The 32-year-old actress died Sunday.

In an interview with The Jewish Chronicle, Brittany Murphy’s mother in law says she was “devastated” to hear of the actress’ sudden death. Linda Monjack, a British hypnotherapist, said that her son Simon — who married Murphy in May 2007 — was “not good at all” after his 32-year-old wife’s death on Sunday. “He has lost the love of his life. It’s very hard for everybody, especially Simon and Brittany’s mother,” Linda Monjack told The Jewish Chronicle. “I’ve spoken to her mother and she is distraught. Brittany was an only child and her mother was living with them…We’re just completely devastated.”