Memorable Tributes from Jane Byrne's Funeral

Chicago's first female mayor was laid to rest on Monday.

Chicago's political class congregated at St. Vincent de Paul Parish on Monday for the funeral of former Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne, the only woman to ever hold that office. The pioneering politician died Saturday at the age of 81. Here are some tributes from notable guests:

"Every Chicagoan gives thanks to Jane Byrne ... we are a better city because of her." -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel, addressing mourners at the Lincoln Park church.

"I still remember: There was this small woman who dressed in leather skirts and she was feisty and a figher and she got things done and she wasn't afraid. And it's really an impressive legacy to leave not just to our city but particularly to women and girls thinking about getting involved in government and politics." -- Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

"I thought she was so cool when I was a little kid when she went to go move into Cabrini Green ... so in my mind it never was an impossibility to think that a girl could rise through the ranks of mayor." -- City Clerk Susana Mendoza.

"She fought the machine. She fought for neighborhoods. She fought for people." -- 2nd Ward Ald. and mayoral candidate Bob Fioretti.

"She was a trailblazer in Chicago politics and government, someone who I think helped open the doors of City Hall to people who had been shut out." -- Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, who's also running for mayor this February.

"She was as tough a politician as we've ever seen. She was one of a kind." -- David Axelrod, campaign adviser to President Obama.

"She told me if the Cubs ever made it to the World Series, she'd get me a ticket." -- Wrigley Field fixture Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers.

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