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Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll Remembered

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Nov 25, 2008 9:07 pm US/Eastern

Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll Remembered

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― After a final drive through her beloved hometown of McKees Rocks, the hearse carrying the body of the late Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll pulled up to St. Paul Cathedral for a mass of Christian burial.

The Knoll children -- Chuck, Mina, Albert, and Kim Eric -- were greeted by Bishop David Zubik.

As cathedral bells rung and bagpipes played, Knoll's flag-draped coffin entered the cathedral where hundreds joined in celebrating her life.

"We come here today to honor a woman who has touched our lives," Catholic Bishop of Pittsburgh David Zubik told the gathering.

Zubik was joined by Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl and Philadelphia Archbishop Cardinal Justin Rigali in celebrating the Mass.

Joining clergy from a number of religious denominations were the political leadership of this state including Gov. Ed Rendell, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Auditor General Jack Wagner, Attorney General Tom Corbett, County Executive Dan Onorato and Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

Offering the homily was Archbishop Wuerl.

"She showed us there really no boundaries, no boundaries to one's ability to serve. All that is needed is a great heart, a steadfast spirit, strong conviction, and the faith and courage to live by those convictions," Wuerl said.

Rendell eulogized Knoll as a great woman and cited her political success.
 
"She holds the distinction of earning more votes from Pennsylvanians than any public official in the history of this commonwealth," the governor told the congregation.

Those attending remembered Knoll in so many ways.

"I can't tell you the number of times where she would come to me and say, we have to help so-and-so, we have to talk to so-and-so about a challenge in their life," said Casey, reflecting on Knoll's desire to help everyone.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Debra Todd said Knoll made it easier for women in politics.

"Catherine paved the way for many, many women in politics, women in the judiciary," Todd noted.

And former Mayor Sophie Masloff says Knoll's passing is still a shock.

"It's extremely sad because it was so unexpected. She was recovering, she was doing well, so it came as such a shock to all of us who are near and dear to her," Masloff said.

Knoll's eldest son, Chuck, said his mother -- even at age 78 -- had future political plans.

"We were all surprised at the speed of her passing, but so was my mother," Knoll told the congregation. "Before the primary, we talked about a possible run for governor in 2010."


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