Catherine O’Hara honoured with Valentine’s Day mass as loved ones say 'rest in peace darling'

Loved ones of Catherine O'Hara came together on Valentine’s Day to honor the late actress with a Catholic Mass in Los Angeles, just over two weeks after her death at age 71. The private service was held at St. Martin of Tours Church, a representative confirmed, marking an intimate farewell for the beloved comedy legend.

O’Hara died on Jan. 31 after suffering a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as the underlying cause, according to a death certificate obtained by authorities.

Actor Kelly Lynch paid tribute to her friend in a heartfelt Instagram post after the service, writing, “Rest in peace darling Catherine,” before sharing a poignant excerpt from a Raymond Carver poem about love and being “beloved on the earth.”

O’Hara was widely celebrated for her iconic roles in films like Beetlejuice and Home Alone, as well as for her Emmy-winning performance in Schitt’s Creek. Her decades-long career left a lasting impact on comedy and film, earning her a reputation as one of the most distinctive and warm-hearted performers in the industry.

The Valentine’s Day memorial also carried personal significance: the same Los Angeles church had previously hosted a service in 1994 for O’Hara’s close friend and fellow comedian John Candy, whom she eulogized at the time.

O’Hara is survived by her husband and children, and remembered by colleagues and fans as a singular comedic voice whose warmth and generosity extended far beyond the screen.