Community, Massachusetts House Bids Farewell to Rep. Cariddi
Cariddi was to be buried in Bellevue Cemetery in Adams.
"It's an honor to be here on behalf of an institution that Gail Cariddi loved and, by the way, loved Gail Cariddi," said Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo.
More than 100 state representatives, from as far as Cape Cod, came by bus and car to attend the funeral, a testament to how they felt about her, said state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox, a longtime friend and colleague.
"This shows the kind of respect she had," he said, as the state officials lined up along Marshall Street after the services.
DeLeo and state Rep. Patricia A. Haddad, representing the 5th Bristol, spoke at the service, which was attended by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, former Speaker Charles Flaherty, Mayors Richard Alcombright and Linda Tyer, former Mayor John Barrett III, Berkshire Sheriff Thomas Bowler, District Attorney David Capeless, former state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, former state Rep. Daniel Bosley (who preceded Cariddi), the Berkshire Delegation of Reps. Paul Mark, Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Pignatelli, and state Sen. Adam Hinds, House Sergeant-at-Arms Raymond Amaru, and numerous councilors, selectmen and other officials.
A long line of first responders flanked the church's entry and state police stood as honor guards. Across the street, a large American flag again flew from the ladder trucks of Adams and North Adams, and the procession to Bellevue Cemetery in Adams was led by two Pittsfield motorcycle officers, North Adams Police and others.
The speakers focused on Cariddi's work ethic and dedication to her 1st Berkshire District, her fun-loving spirit and kindness.
The Rev. William Cyr said she'd reminded him of St. Teresa of Avila, a famed author of spiritual guides, who lived in the 16th century.
He was listening to CDs about St. Teresa's life the other day when some of the similarities of their lives struck him.
"They were honest, you knew where you stood with them at all times, yet even in their honesty they were incredibly kind and compassionate to others," he said. "They were balanced in their approach to life."
Cyr said a young woman had told him at Wednesday's wake how surprised she was that Cariddi had taken the time to send her a personal letter after she won an award. The late representative would also visit nursing homes to chat with residents, and remembered all of their names, he said.
"Now I'm not trying to say to canonize Gail ... she probably would respond to it the same way as Teresa -- 'stop the foolishness and be quiet,'" he smiled. "But if the Legislature wishes to discuss a bill ... ."
DeLeo said he'd first gotten to know Cariddi at an orientation for incoming lawmakers after her election in 2010.
"I got the sense of what I would appreciate most about Gail ... she was one of the warmest, and most gracious person I have ever had the pleasure of working with," he said. "She had a quiet dignity that is hard to put into words."
On Wednesday during the House session, many rose to speak about Cariddi, he said, and shared their remembrances.
"The house stood united in talking and thinking about his bright, energetic and funny leader and her impact on each and everyone of us. ... as much as we were moved by Gail, we each knew the profound effect on everyone here in her hometown," the speaker said.
Even to the last, on the day she would learn the devastating news that her illness had progressed, she was in his office with a map, talking about the needs of Lanesborough and the Berkshire Mall, he said.
Her friend state Rep. Patricia A. Haddad, representing the 5th Bristol, spoke to the congregation of how Cariddi was always a consummate professional who knew when to lead and when to step back.
"She moved very quickly into leadership roles in the House, never, ever forgetting her district," Haddad said. "She was always asking for advice on how to do things for her people. ...
"She was absolutely unflappable ... she lived with grace and dignity."
But she also had a fun side and was a great traveling companion on jaunts overseas, Haddad said. "No matter how tired, she always had a smile, never complained and already was ready for the next adventure."
Turning to Cariddi's picture and urn in front of the altar, Haddad said they had not come for the wake "because we knew you would not be happy if we didn't do our work ... we kept you and your district in mind ... because you're our friend."
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