Hush fell over mourners gathered in the church courtyard as the coachman brought the carriage carrying her small pink coffin to a gentle halt.
Two horses, impressive grey Lipizzaners, Marie and Rosie, were dressed with pink plumes and drapes, each sporting a unicorn horn.
Read more: Pictures as family and friends say goodbye at funeral of two-year-old County Durham toddler
Family and friends of Maya Louise Chappell wept and dabbed their eyes as the two-year-old’s small pink casket was carefully lifted and carried by four pallbearers.
Read more: Heartbroken dad pays tribute as toddler injured in Shotton Colliery incident dies in hospital
Floral tributes spelled out her name, and Moo, a family pet name, as well as depicting Peppa Pig, the cheerful cartoon character beloved by pre-schoolers across the country.
More flowers seemed to sprout from a Magical Book of Fairy Tales, another poignant and painful reminder that this was funeral of a child, an innocent.
It is truly heart-rending that her death at such a tender age is the subject of murder inquiry with a suspect, 26-year-old Michael Daymond, due to stand trial next year.
Maya’s loved ones, as requested by her father, James, wore pink, Maya’s favourite colour, as part of more traditional mourning clothing.
He himself wore a pink tie, standing stoically as his daughter was carried into Our Blessed Lady and St Joseph, near Leadgate.
In his homily, Father John Bagnall said: “The sad part is that everyone’s story ends at some point.
“Even when death comes quite naturally and at the end of a long and full life we are never really prepared for that kind of ending.
“It is more difficult still when we lose a loved one suddenly and at a very young age - as is the case today as we gather at the funeral service of little Maya, only two years old.
“We are left with an even greater sense of loss – trying to come to terms with a precious life cut short.”
Maya died two days after an incident at her home in Shotton Colliery that left her critically injured.
Father Bagnall said: “Naturally we ask why did this happen?
“There is a tendency for some people to say, “it must be the will of God.”
“Let us be perfectly clear God did not want this to happen to Maya.”
Music during the service included Concrete Angel by Martina McBride, Diamonds by Rihanna and Fly by Celine Dion.
Father Bagnall offered mourners words of comfort to help them come to terms with their loss.
He said: “Your memories of Maya will help you.
“You will remember the sound of Maya’s laughter, the sound of her voice and you will remember the happy and the funny memories too.
“These memories will help to keep Maya’s presence alive in your hearts.”
After the service Maya was buried in the Brooms Cemetery next to the church.
Earlier in the day her father, James Chappell posted a moving message to his daughter on social media.
He wrote: “I love you so much Maya Louise Chappell, so does all your family.
“You’ll be sat with your grandma and our Brooklyn and all the rest and I know you’re in good hands so this isn’t a goodbye forever baby girl, just a goodbye for now.
“I’ll see you again someday and I’ll make everything up to you.
“Until we meet again little girl.”
- The Northern Echo attended Maya's funeral with the permission of her family.
Read next:
- Police provide update into Shotton Colliery investigation
- County Durham toddler dies in hospital after alleged assault as investigation continues
- County Durham toddler fighting for her life as man is arrested after incident
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