Updated story
Funeral services for iconic film critic Roger Ebert began 10 a.m. Monday morning at Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral.
Ebert's wife, Chaz, spoke at the service and described her husband as a "soldier for social justice," according to the Associated Press.
The funeral was open to both friends and fans of Ebert, but seating was limited. Speakers included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, Jonathan Jackson and former Sun-Times publisher John Barron. Open seats were first come, first served.
Ebert's stepdaughter Sonia Evans also spoke at the service and said she is "the happiest when I think about he and my mother found each other."
Crowds reportedly started to form at the church by 7:30 a.m. Monday, despite rainy weather.
First in line, according to the Chicago Tribune, was 27-year-old HollywoodChicago.com film critic Matt Fagerholm, who said he was "inspired by his life force, by his ability to keep going."
The Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and long-time Sun-Times movie critic died last Thursday at the age of 70 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
A tribute to Ebert has been scheduled for Thursday at the Chicago Theatre. Tickets to the event -- which will include music, highlights from "At the Movies" and more -- will be free and open to the public, but seats are limited. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the event will start at 7. To reserve a seat, call 773-528-7700 or e-mail rsvp@ebertpresents.com.
Speaking to Time Out Chicago's Robert Feder, Chaz said her husband was "still vibrant right up to the end" and was "lucid — completely lucid — writing notes right up to before the moment of death."
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ebert Foundation, a non-profit that supports arts and education programs, care of Northern Trust, 50 S. LaSalle St. in Chicago.
The Topeka, Kan.-based Westboro Baptist Church had threatened to protest Ebert's funeral, according to DNAinfo Chicago, but did not show Monday.
Roger Ebert Funeral
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