Diem Brown Funeral: Hillsong Pastor Presides Over Service Remembering 32-Year-Old Star
MTV reality star Diem Brown was laid to rest in a sacred funeral on Tuesday, Nov. 18, in New York City.
Father Peter Fink of the Church of St. Francis Xavier and Pastor Kane Keatinge from Hillsong Church presided over the service, which was attended by family, friends, and former co-stars, who all spoke about the 32-year-old's deep faith in God, which lasted until she passed away.
"Diem was the happiest person I know," E! News correspondent Alicia Quarles said. "Till her last breath, she never gave up. I can't even explain to you her divinity. She talked about her faith in God, her love of family. Diem is laughing at me right now," she added when she began a reading too soon. "We all know Diem forgives everyone, so she forgives me for that!"
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Brown's faith was evident throughout her battle against cancer. She previously beat the disease and was in remission when she learned it had come back in Aug. On Nov. 11 she tweeted her followers to ask for "prayers, advice, support & outreach" and noted that she was not giving up the fight, no matter what doctors said. However, she passed away just three days later, surrounded by family and friends.
"She was very peaceful when she passed, friend Julie Rotondi told People. "We kept telling her, 'This is not giving up. You have fought enough.'"
Country music star Trisha Yearwood performed "I Remember You" at the funeral. The song is especially meaningful, as it honors her late mother, who died from breast cancer in 2011.
Pastor Keatinge attended to Brown in her final days, visiting her in the hospital and praying with her. He spoke fondly of the young woman in his remarks. Father Peter Fink also recalled his interactions with Brown before her friends read from Proverbs and 1 Corinthians.
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future," Proverbs 31:25, which was inscribed on the program, read. "Our dancing angel, Danielle Marie Brown is watching from Heaven's window with her mother, Jillian Catherine Brown," a message on the program added.
