Friends, family, Tucson community members and dignitaries honored the life of Congressman Raúl Grijalva Wednesday during a funeral Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson followed by a celebration of life.
Grijalva was known over his 12 terms for being a progressive Democratic voice. He died March 13 at the age of 77, from complications with his cancer treatment.
The pews at Wednesday’s Mass were filled with hundreds of people. Cronkite News and other media organizations remained outside the church. A livestream of the service was available for those outside the Mass.
The Honor Guard presented the congressman’s cremated remains with his family following behind. Speakers at Grijalva’s service included Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs; U.S. Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, R-N.Y.; former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and more.
“(He was) a champion for justice,” Hobbs said during the Mass. “Throughout his life and career, it was abundantly clear — he never forgot where he came from. … Throughout his time in public office, he never forgot why he was there — for the Arizonans he represented.”
Grijalva was the co-chair of the Progressive Caucus in the House for a decade, while remaining a voice for environmental protections, tribal communities and Arizonans. Ocasio-Cortez spoke on the legacy of the congressman and the time they spent working together in the House.
“Raúl was one of the most generous, wise and principled people I have ever met. And he had one of the best laughs imaginable,” Ocasio-Cortez said during the funeral. “Raúl constantly championed the unseen and overlooked.”
In a Facebook post, Grijalva’s family requested donations to the Raúl M. Grijalva Scholarship Fund, which supports students at Tucson’s Sunnyside High School in continuing their education.
Grijalva’s legacy extended beyond southern Arizona, the community he grew up in and spent his life representing. Pelosi thanked the Tucson community in the pews for sending Grijalva to Congress.
“During his decades of service, Raúl was a champion for the people of Arizona and the community he loved,” Pelosi said.
Following the speakers, the Mass continued with a liturgical procession, family readers, gifts of bread and wine, music, an organ prelude and words of remembrance. When the Mass concluded, after just under two hours, the family exited the cathedral behind the Honor Guard.
The celebration of life was held at the El Casino Ballroom in southern Tucson, where hundreds gathered to reflect on Grijalva’s life of service.
Sarah Roberts, who campaigned for Grijalva since 2002, said she’s been his supporter for decades because of his mission to serve his constituents.
“He spread love through his years of representation,” Roberts said while in line to enter the celebration of life.
Inside the venue, music played loudly, and people were encouraged to eat, drink and dance. The venue reached capacity before 2:30 p.m., with many waiting in line outside.
Arizona Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan, D-Tucson, was one of many community members and politicians to attend the celebration.
“He has built so much,” Sundareshan said. “He has worked so many years in public service in southern Arizona, and I think that shows the lasting impact of what he’s done. … Now, we’re here to celebrate his life.”
