KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Friends and family of fashion designer Kate Spade held a funeral Thursday afternoon in Spade’s hometown.
The private ceremony took place at 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Church, located at 3333 Broadway Boulevard.
Police said the 55-year-old died by suicide earlier this month at her New York City home. Spade’s husband said his wife had battled depression.
If you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to help at 1-800-273-8255.
The family released a statement Thursday saying Spade's father, Earl Brosnahan, Jr. died Wednesday night at his home in Kansas City, Missouri, the night before Spade's funeral.
Spade jumped to international fame with her colorful handbags and purses. She started the Kate Spade New York fashion label in the mid-1990s, eventually selling it in 2007. Most recently, she started a new brand, Frances Valentine, named after her daughter.
Spade was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up as Katy Brosnahan, attending Notre Dame de Sion grade school and graduating from St. Teresa’s Academy in 1980.
The sun rising over Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Church in Kansas City where family and friends will hold a funeral for Kate Spade. The KC-native, who launched a handbag/fashion label, ended her life by suicide earlier this month. pic.twitter.com/QH5m8bYxX7
— Charlie Keegan (@CharlieKeegan41) June 21, 2018
Her family is asking that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to can donate to Wayside Waifs or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in Spade's honor.
The Kate Spade New York Foundation announced this week it will donate $1 million to suicide prevention and mental health awareness causes in honor of Spade.
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