Catherine Baker Knoll Remembered In Harrisburg

Late Lt. Gov. Lying In Repose

POSTED: 11:46 am EST November 21, 2008
UPDATED: 5:57 pm EST November 21, 2008

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Hundreds of mourners packed Pennsylvania's Capitol Rotunda on Friday afternoon to pay their respects to the late Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll.

Workers toiled late into the night Thursday to prepare the Rotunda for the Friday arrival of Knoll's casket. State officials believe she is just the second person to receive this honor in the current Capitol.

Attendees included Gov. Ed Rendell and Sens. Hillary Clinton and Bob Casey. Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Harrisburg Diocese led the invocation and benediction.

Knoll was remembered in tributes by Rendell, Clinton, incoming Lt. Gov. Joe Scarnati and Rep. John Murtha.

Clinton remembered Knoll as a "pioneer and path breaker" for women in politics.

Clinton said Knoll endorsed her in the early days of Clinton's campaign for the presidency and worked hard to encourage other women to enter public service.

The 78-year-old Knoll died Nov. 12 after a four-month battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

The service began at noon. The public could watch a video simulcast at the nearby Forum Building auditorium, and afterward pay respects in the Rotunda.

Knoll's casket will remain at the Capitol until Saturday afternoon. It will then be moved to St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at noon. ThePittsburghChannel.com will stream the memorial service.

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