Elizabeth Edwards' Oldest Daughter Eulogizes Mom at Funeral
Credit: Paul Morigi/WireImage
Elizabeth Edwards was laid to rest Saturday at a North Carolina church four days after she lost her battle with breast cancer at age 61.
Former Sen. John Edwards and his three children joined more than 1,200 mourners for the 1 p.m. service, held at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Edenton, N.C.
"She has been a light house to all of us. She's always been that source of light to us. Every lesson she has taught us has become part of our ethic," Edwards' oldest daughter, Cate, said in a eulogy to her mother.
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The political wife and author's close friend Hargrave McElroy and former University of North Carolina Law School classmate Glenn Bergenfield also spoke of their pal's courage and friendship.
Edwards' public memorial service -- held amid a steady drizzle -- was not without controversy.
A small group of congregants from the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., known for picketing military funerals, protested near the church with signs denigrating Edwards. On the other side of the street, reports The News Observer, stood a much larger group, holding signs with the words "hero" and "hope."
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The wife of former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards died at her Chapel Hill home Tuesday after battling cancer for the last six years.
"Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence, but she remains the heart of this family," the Edwards family said in a statement.
Elizabeth separated from her husband in January after John acknowledged he fathered a child with Rielle Hunter, a former videographer from his unsuccessful run for President.
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4Westboro Baptist Church needs funds. Westboro Baptist Church is financed by groups, individuals - Travel, organization, management cost money, where are the funds coming from? Follow the trail of Deep Throat; Go back to the basics by reviewing the film, All the President's Men with Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman - As FBI informant Mark Felt once said to then journalist, Bob Woodward, "Follow the money." The Westboro Baptist Church isn't made up of financial bankers, thoughtful attorneys, or intellectual Constitutional attorneys, they are radical preachers. Ministers count on donations. Who is donating money to mad men? Follow the finances for the Westboro Baptist Church.
"... small group of congregants from the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., known for picketing military funerals, protested near the church with signs denigrating Elizabeth Edwards. On the other side of the street, reports The News Observer, stood a much larger group, holding signs with the words "hero" and "hope." I DON'T CARE WHAT YOUR RELIGION OR POLITICS- Picketing at a woman's funeral and picketing military people coming home after serving their country (and your right to do this very thing)...DISGUSTING is the only word I can find.
Cate showed her Mother such honor today...her words were eloquent. Her beautiful Mother is admiring her in her sleep. Bless you Cate.
" The Brightest Star at Christmas- To the Edwards family. I share in your greif at the loss of your mother and wife. She was an inspiration to all women and will be sadly missed. I was humbled often at how dignified she was and her sincerity to help made her a never forgotten lady Democratic pricipals and family person she was. God bless you and know your mom is at peace. My husband died at 50 from cancer and I knew how tired he was. She gave you an excellent legacy and lots of love, I am truly sorry. Doris Skalski Boruta Philadelphia, PA