Mark Madoff's wife: 'Devastated' by suicide

Mark Madoff’s wife says his body has been cremated and a private gathering is planned in his memory.

Stephanie Madoff said in a statement Wednesday that she is “devastated” by her husband’s death.

"Regardless of what you feel about my father-in-law and his monstrous crimes, Mark’s children are innocent victims and this is tragic for them," Madoff said in the statement, which the Wall Street Journal posted on its website.

"I am devastated and now raising two small children alone. I ask that you please show decency and understanding toward all of Mark’s children and allow us to mourn in private."

Madoff’s body was claimed from the morgue by a funeral director on Tuesday.

The son of imprisoned financier Bernard Madoff was 46.

Mark Madoff hanged himself in his Manhattan apartment on Saturday, the second anniversary of his father’s arrest.