WILMINGTON, De.--It was a gray and sobering cold day in Wilmington, Delaware. The weather served as a reminder to all in the First State that this was a day of mourning. The Funeral of Jean Finnegan Biden, mother of Vice President Joseph Biden, was on the schedule of almost everyone who was anyone in the Delaware. Mrs. Biden died Friday at the age of 92 after a brief illness.
The national press as well as national political leaders, dignitaries and friends from around nation filed in to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church for a funeral Mass Tuesday morning. The most noted of guests was President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and other members of Congress and the Cabinet. It is estimated that more than 700 people were in attendance.
Despite his grief and obvious signs of his sorrow, Vice President Biden lead the family tribute to Jean Biden. He gave a moving Eulogy that stirred laughter and tears in those in the audience. Repeating stories heard throughout the campaign period about his mother, Biden recanted, "She believed in us, so we believe in ourselves. How could we do less? Mom taught us that courage was not defined by the lack of fear, but by the willingness to act in spite of your fears; that bravery lived in each of our hearts. And her expectation was that we would be summoned to reach for it when necessary."
Also in the lineup of family members taking an active role in the program, three granddaughters gave Scripture readings and pallbearers included four grandsons.
