The Keeping Up Appearances star died on October 3
The Keeping Up With Appearances star died peacefully in her sleep (Image: PA)
The funeral details for Dame Patricia Routledge have been confirmed. The actress died at the age of 96 on October 3. Born in Tranmere, Dame Patricia was best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances.
In a statement earlier this month, Dame Patricia’s agent said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.
“Even at 96 years old, Dame Patricia’s passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations of audiences have continued to find her through her beloved television roles. She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”
The funeral service for Dame Patricia Routledge DBE will be held at Chichester Cathedral on Wednesday, November 5 at 1.00pm.
The service is open to the public, but many seats will be reserved for invited guests. Entrance to the Cathedral is through the West Doors, which will open from 12.00pm.
The service will also be livestreamed on Chichester Cathedral’s website. More information is available here.
Dame Patricia Routledge(Image: Colin Lane)
Dame Patricia was born on February 17 1929 and attended Mersey Park Primary School, and subsequently Birkenhead High School where she sang in the choir and ran the Sunday School.
She later went on to study at Liverpool University where she graduated with honours in English Language and Literature before attending the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and London’s Guildhall School of Music.
She made her professional debut at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1952 in “A Midsummer Nights Dream”.
Paying tribute to her, a spokesperson for The Playhouse told the ECHO earlier this month: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge.
“Born in Birkenhead, Patricia began her professional journey here at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1952, not as the star she would later become, but as an Assistant Stage Manager — “sweeping the stage,” as she fondly remembered in Ros Merkin’s Liverpool Playhouse: A Theatre and its City.
“From those first steps backstage, she grew into one of Britain’s most treasured actors, her unforgettable performances making her a household name.
“We were honoured to welcome Patricia back to the Playhouse in 2011, during our centenary year, when she joined us for the launch of Ros’s book and shared her memories of starting out with us.
“Patricia’s talent, wit, and warmth touched so many, and her legacy will always be part of the Playhouse story. The lights at Liverpool Playhouse this evening will be dimmed in her memory.”