Emotions high at funeral for Newburgh kids driven into Hudson River by suicide mom

(CBS/WCBS) SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. - Emotions ran high at a funeral service Monday for the three children who died after their mother, LaShanda Armstrong, drove their car into the Hudson River on April 12.

Pictures: Newburgh mom drives into river, kills 3 kids, 1 escapes

The private family service began at 11 a.m. in Spring Valley, followed by a private burial at 1 p.m. in nearby Congers. Five-year-old Landon, 2-year-old Lance and 11-month-old Laianna were killed when their mother loaded them into a minivan and drove it into the Hudson.

The tragedy stirred up mixed emotions for friends and family of the children and of their mother. LaShanda was buried alone on Thursday.

The children's father Jean Pierre decided not to allow the children to be buried with their mother, opting instead for Monday's separate service. It was a decision some of LaShanda Armstrong's family members don't agree with.

"I'm disappointed, because no matter what, these are her children. The funeral plan was for her to be laid at rest with them so nobody should have changed them," Channise White, LaShanda's cousin, told the station.

According to CBS affiliate WCBS, those emotions erupted at the service when a relative of the mother walked out of the small funeral home saying, "I don't care. This side of the family matters."

Three small caskets were loaded into a waiting hearse after the service.

Only the children's 10-year-old brother LaShaun survived, rolling down a window and swimming to safety. Police said his mother tried to keep him inside the sinking van.

Complete coverage of the Hudson River tragedy on Crimesider