[custom_adv] Ivana Trump's remains were carried from New York City to ex-President Donald Trump's golf New Jersey golf club after the former couple's children paid tribute to their ‘trailblazing’ mother who served as an 'embodiment of the American dream' during her funeral mass. [custom_adv] Exclusive DailyMail.com photos show a hearse from Frank E. Campbell funeral home in Manhattan leading a procession of family and loved ones down 9th Avenue before entering the Lincoln Tunnel and heading towards the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster for a private reception. [custom_adv] Ivana's three children - Donald Trump Jr, Eric and Ivanka - all spoke at the service at St. Vincent Ferrer Church on the Upper East Side in front of 100 mourners, including Donald, his wife Melania and their 16-year-old son Barron. [custom_adv] 'Growing up, my mother didn’t tell me a woman could do anything she wanted to — she showed me,' Ivanka said sincerely. 'She was a trailblazer to men and women alike. My mother once told me there was nothing she couldn’t do in heels. She taught us how to spear fish and then cook what we caught. My mom expanded our minds.' [custom_adv] Don Jr. spoke next and delighted the congregation with fond memories and jokes. Before he returned to his seat, he said: 'I love you, mom.'Eric Trump, the youngest, spoke next: 'She had brains; she had beauty. She was the embodiment of the American dream … She was a force of nature, could beat any man down the slopes, any woman on the runway. 'She ruled the three of us [kids] with an iron fist but also a heart of gold,' said Eric. [custom_adv] After the service, Ivana's body was carried out of the building in a golden casket, past her family and dozens of VIP guests. A woman, who appeared to be Ivana's caregiver, cried on the church's steps as the pallbearers passed. Ivana was also honored by her favorite New York City restaurant, Nello, which lit candles and displayed flowers at her favorite table while she was laid to rest. [custom_adv] Ivana frequented Nello, which was on the same block as her Upper East Side townhouse, several nights a week and is said to have had a favorite spot in the restaurant. She dined at the popular Italian ristorante for many years, sometimes joined by her children, grandkids and former husbands. [custom_adv] Owner Thomas Makkos, who attended Ivana's funeral, said his staff are 'mourning the loss of a favorite patron.' 'Ivana was beloved by all who work here and will be sorely missed. Sometimes, members of the staff would escort Mrs. Trump back to her home just down the block,' he said. 'Tonight, we will pay tribute to her friendship by leaving her favorite table empty with a candle memorial display.' [custom_adv] Earlier in the day, Ivanka and Jared were spotted in Central Park, taking a break from their morning jog to admire Bethesda Fountain. Former President Donald Trump flew in to New York from Florida with former First Lady Melania earlier this week after announcing Ivana's death with a heartfelt statement on behalf of the family. [custom_adv] In another touching tribute to his former wife last night, he told long-term friend Cindy Adams, a columnist for The New York Post: 'She was outstanding. Beautiful inside and out. We began all of it, our lives together, with such a great relationship.' [custom_adv] The funeral service was billed as a 'Celebration of Life' to honor Ivana, a Czechoslovakian skier turned model who moved to America at the dawn of the 70s and became one of New York's most iconic first wives. In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to Big and Small Dog Ranch Rescue. [custom_adv] Don Jr's fiancée, Kimberly Guilfoyle, was spotted in New York City on Tuesday morning ahead of the planned service. She was seen visiting Ivana's townhouse on 64th Street on Tuesday night. Ivana and Donald were married from 1977 until 1992, during which time she says she raised their children almost single-handedly. [custom_adv] He went on the marry Marla Maples and then Melania in 2005.The former President is said to be 'very upset' about the death of his first wife, with whom he remained close, according to family friends cited by The New York Post. [custom_adv] Photographs show a red teddy bear seated at the table Ivana frequented, which was set for as if prepared for diners to sit down. Red carnations were laid on the tabletop as candles burned in Ivana's honor. [custom_adv] 'The Trumps spent much time here as a family over the years, and we offer our sincerest condolence as they grieve her tragic passing. We join millions of New Yorkers in mourning her loss,' Makkos added. A picture of Ivana is also on display in a photo collage at the restaurant.
