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December 30, 2005

Hundreds turn out for funeral of Fall River mayor's wife

FALL RIVER, Mass. -- Several hundred people turned out today, traveling in nearly 150 automobiles in a two-mile procession, to bury the city's first lady, Mary E. Lambert.

Notre Dame Church was full, with attendees including Bishop George W. Coleman, the leader of the city's Catholic diocese, pews and pews of state and city representatives, Lamberts siblings, neighbors, friends and residents who said Mayor Edward Lambert Jr.'s wife made them feel special even at their first meeting with her.

Described as a kind-hearted, sweet, well-known, faithful servant of God, Mary Lambert died Christmas night from diabetes complications, a disease she battled since childhood. She was 46.

"She most willingly gave and shared with everyone, imitating the saints that have come before us" said the Rev. Richard Chretien, her church priest. "Mary [Lambert's] life is what it means to accept God completely."

She even gave to animals in need, said her brother, Daniel Ciullo. He noted she had a "Dr. Doolittle" spirit about her and was able to talk to and comfort even the smallest creatures.

-- Journal staff writer Alisha A. Pina

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 1:26 PM | Permalink