Memorial Service Held For Former U.S. Rep. Helen Bentley

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Maryland said goodbye to one of its most colorful citizens today.

A memorial service celebrated the life of former U.S. Representative from Maryland, Helen Delich Bentley.

Her remains were carried in a small urn Friday, but there was nothing small about her life.

"She broke the glass ceiling and she broke a few knuckles, and long the way though, she really had this heart of gold," said Sen. Barbara Mikulski.

Bentley died in August at the age of 92.

Starting during World War II, she covered the Port for The Baltimore Sun, a beat that lasted 30 years.

"To survive that kind of assignment, she had to be as mean and as tough as she could be. And I'm sure you'll all agree she certainly accomplished that goal," Governor Larry Hogan said at the ceremony.

President Nixon appointed Bentley to head the Federal Maritime Commission.

She was elected to Congress, where she lobbied hard for the funds to modernize the Port, to prepare it for the super-sized ships now sailing.

"Helen is the one that started that," said James White, executive director Port Administration. "While she was in Congress she pushed for the 50-foot deep channel that we've had since 1950. Other ports are trying to get to 50 feet today."

That dedication was rewarded when the Port's name was changed to hers.

Shortly before her death, she told WJZ "It was a big surprise and a very proud moment."

"Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched during her amazing life," Hogan said.

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