by Arielle Young

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a family member of the presidential Kennedy legacy and founder of the Special Olympics, passed away this past Tuesday at the age of 88. She was honored in a ceremony by Vice President Joe Biden, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Jon Bon Jovi, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, former Special Olympics athlete Loretta Claiborne, three Irish singers sent by Bono, 19 grandchildren, and many more. Her daughter, Maria Shriver, wife of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, reminisced about her late mother's stellar attitude, world-changing existence, and her willingness to size up to and beyond the big boys.

"Mummy wore men's pants, smoked Cuban cigars and she played tackle football. Our mother never rested, she never stopped. She was momentum on wheels," said Daughter Shriver, addressing the members at the service. "She was scary smart and not afraid to show it. If she were here today ... she would pound this podium ... and ask each of you what you have done today to better the world."

"She was chosen to have a life to serve others, the weakest of the weak, the castaways, the throwaways of society, at the time they would say the mentally retarded, and I am one of those people," said Loretta Claiborne, former Special Olympics athlete, about her longtime friend

Eunice Shriver granted huge opportunities and empowered the voiceless of the world, through action and personal example. She was inspirational and will live in the hearts of many forever. Long live Eunice Shriver.

via AP