THE life of "loving" family woman Pat Pennington was celebrated at her funeral service today (Friday).
Our Lady Help of Christians Church on Portico Lane was packed out for the funeral of Patricia, who was the mum of comedian Johnny Vegas.
READ MORE > Funeral details of former Saints hooker Tony Karalius
Pat, also known as 'Ma Vegas' became a St Helens treasure and in April gained fans across the country as she featured alongside Johnny on a spin-off of TV show Mrs Brown’s Boys.
An avid M&S shopper, Pat also got to cut the ribbon to launch the new Marks & Spencer store at Ravenhead Retail Park, alongside former Saints player Paul Sculthorpe.
Pat opening M&S
The funeral service held at the church which Pat, a woman "of faith", regularly attended, saw a fitting celebration to the life of a loving mum, nan and great-grandmother.
A hearse, with flowers bearing the words 'Mum' and 'Nan' transported her coffin to the church.
Her husband Laurence (Lol) died in March 2017 aged 85 and Patricia leaves behind children Catharine, Robert, Mark and Michael (Johnny).
Readings chosen by the family were spoken, including from Matthew's Gospel The Sermon On The Mount.
It was said how she had a "strong faith" and two other religions, bingo and M&S!"
Son Michael (Johnny) spoke movingly to the congregation about his mum.
He said: "I've yet to see a nature documentary that came close to how she fought for those that mattered most to her, her family."
He added she was "quite a mathematician and ahead of her time" and also "an artist" with "painting her passion", a talent passed on to her grandchildren.
He spoke of her life and how she met husband Lol and worked at Fibreglass.
Pat was a loving mum, nan and great-grandmother
Michael added: "I knew her as a mum, and wow what a mum.
"Her comedy appreciation and her doing something daft just for the fun of it was never lost on us."
He shared one amusing anecdote of the time she turned up to event at the Black Bull dressed as a "Mountie on a hobby horse".
He also spoke of her faith and how she and Lol will be "back together with God".
He added: "Don't rest in peace, rest in joy and with wild abandon with lamb chops for dinner and tea".
He also read a letter which was once written to him, which read: “Dear Michael, lots of love and kisses mum. Look after yourself and if you get short of money please come back home. God bless. Mum and Dad.”
Pat on All Round To Mrs Brown's
A clip of her hilarious appearance on All Round To Mrs Brown's was played and So Long Farewell from the Sound of Music was played.
The service was followed by committal at St Helens Crematorium.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here