Mourners remember famed film critic Roger Ebert at Chicago funeral
Mourners packed a downtown Chicago church on Monday to remember acclaimed film critic Roger Ebert.
Pallbearers carried Ebert's casket up the steps of the Holy Name Cathedral for the morning Mass attended by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Emanuel said Ebert embodied the values of Chicago. The mayor said that the award-winning film critic loved the arts of film and writing but the art Ebert "most enjoyed was living." He also said that the public trusted Ebert "because he was one of us."
Ebert's wife, Chaz, received a standing ovation when she spoke. She told the crowd she didn't know if she could speak or not. But she said she knew she had to because Ebert would have wanted her to thank everyone.
She remembered her husband as a "soldier for social justice," adding that one of the things she loved about Ebert was that he had a heart "big enough to accept and love all."
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn ended his remarks by saying: "We love you, Roger. We always will."
Ebert died Thursday at age 70 after a long battle with cancer. He worked for the Chicago Sun-Times for more than 40 years.
There will be another chance for the public to pay tribute to Ebert. Organizers are planning a memorialfor Thursday evening at the Chicago Theater. It will include music, moments from Ebert's TV show "At the Movies" and personal tributes.
Thursday's memorial is open to the public, but seating must be reserved in advance.