The family of a nurse who apparently hanged herself after taking a prank call regarding Prince William's pregnant wife, Catherine, spoke movingly Saturday of their grief at losing the "core of the family" who had surrounded them with love and laughter.

Speaking to reporters outside Westminster Cathedral, where a Mass was held to remember Jacintha Saldanha on Saturday morning, they described the "unfillable void" her tragic death had left in their lives.

It was the first time her husband, Benedict Barboza, and two teenaged children had spoken publicly of their loss since the nurse's death on Dec. 7.

"My wife, you were the light of my darkness, who always showed me the way forward," said Barboza.

"I feel a part of me has been ripped out. Without your beautiful smile and sparkling personality the house is an empty place to live."

The couple had been together for 19 years with a "strong bond of affection and understanding" that he would cherish forever, he said.

"Your loss is a very painful one and nobody can take that place in my life ever again. I love you and miss you forever," he said, breaking down in tears as he finished speaking.

The couple's son, Junal, spoke of his mother as a "kind, generous and well-respected woman" who was the core of the family and had instilled the principles in her children that would guide them through life.

"You worked tirelessly to give us everything that we have today," he said.

Lisha, his younger sister, said they would miss their mother's laughter and the loving memories they share.

"We are shattered and there's an unfillable void in our lives. We love you, Mum. Sleep in peace and please watch over us until we meet again in Heaven. We will always love you and keep you close to our hearts."

Saldanha's funeral will be held on Monday in Karnataka, southern India, the family said.

The nurse's death, three days after she took the hoax call from two Australian DJs who impersonated Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II, shocked people around the world.

A memorial fund to benefit her family has been set up by King Edward VII Hospital, where she worked.

Saldanha was found hanging from a wardrobe door at her hospital living quarters on Dec. 7, a coroner's court heard Thursday. The court was told she left three notes, but the content of them was not disclosed.

The details around the circumstances of Saldanha's death emerged as an inquest -- a proceeding usually held in Britain when a death is sudden or unexplained -- was opened. It is due to reconvene in March.

Police are looking at e-mails and telephone records, the inquest heard, and will speak to Saldanha's friends and co-workers about what could have led to her death.

At this time there are no suspicious circumstances, Detective Chief Inspector James Harman said.

Saldanha's death triggered wide public anger against the radio station, Sydney-based 2Day FM, and the two DJS who made the hoax call early on Dec. 4.

Believing it was genuine, Saldanha transferred the call to the ward treating Catherine for acute morning sickness, where another nurse gave details of her condition.