A woman passed away from a cancer and I was asked to bring a cake for the funeral. It needs to feed roughly 70 people or more.

I'm lost for ideas. Anyone have one?

My feelings are that the design should be rather light and gay. The gathering is for the family - the living - at a very difficult time so try to bring some joy into their lives.
Pick a season appropriate, general theme - maybe a wreath/circle of fall leaves in the center of a sheet cake OR
as the top border on a 14x4" round. If you use the round you could basket weave the sides OR just plain ice it.
There was a post recently asking for an idea for a 'pile of leaves' & someone posted a great link to many cakes that were a basket of leaves. This might give you some idea to follow.

On a much smaller scale (an 8" round) I did one once that was a lattice completely covering the top of the cake done w/.tip 3 lines in a couple of different colors. Not sure how that would look on a 14" round though.....

I tried to edit my post but it wouldn't let me
here's another ideA:
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=26856
The sides are covered w/fondant lace from a mold. The angles are white choco molded in a candy mold. You could just pipe the person's name and date of birth & date of death? OR say something like "Always in our hearts' w/her name.

I agree with kakeladi-- something neutral and pretty definitely. There are many beautiful cakes here on CC in a fall theme that would do just beautifully.

I don't have much time to work on because of other commitments so it needs to be something simple. Thanks you so much for the ideas. I like the idea of the fall leaves.

What about some "forget me not" flowers for decoration?

Thanks for the ideas. The funeral was yesterday so I did a basic 11x15 stacked with white buttercream and flowers. I handpainted a design on the side. I didn't even take a picture of it because I was so short on time.
I'm going to use these ideas next time I get a call to make a cake again for a funeral. Thanks again.

Sorry I didn't see your post in time. I have a few cakes in my album that i've done for funerals. Understandable about not getting a picture though. When your in a rush it's the last thing you think of, especially at a time like this.

Thanks. The cakes in your photos are so beautiful.