Ella Fitzgerald Funeral Services Will Be Private

The family of “First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald has announced that funeral services for her will be private. The family asked, however, that any memorial donations in Fitzgerald’s name be made to the Society of Singers, 8242 W. 3rd St., Suite 250, Los Angeles 90043.

The Society of Singers was established 10 years ago by Gini Mancini, widow of composer Henry Mancini, to aid needy professional singers. A lifetime achievement award, which has been presented annually to such noted entertainers as Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee, is designated the “Ella” in Fitzgerald’s honor.

Fitzgerald, 78, died Saturday in her Beverly Hills home.