'Condolences to the family': Internet sends prayers as Trump and kin attend his sister Maryanne's funeral
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Donald Trump, along with his wife Melania and children Donald Jr, Eric, and Ivanka, led a somber procession to mourn the passing of his sister, retired Judge Maryanne Trump Barry.
The funeral was held at St Ignatius of Loyola Church on Park Avenue around East 84th Street in Manhattan, New York.
Judge Barry, a Queens native and former federal judge and assistant US attorney, passed away on November 13, at the age of 86.
The ex-president and his family were seen waiting on the sidewalk in front of the church to greet the black Cadillac hearse carrying the late judge's coffin.
The Trump family embraced as the hearse approached the church until Trump Barry's casket could be seen.
The family then quietly observed as pallbearers carried the coffin inside.
As the service began, a portion of the neighborhood was closed off, and the block was crowded with NYPD counterterrorism officers and Secret Service personnel with semi-automatic guns.
What happened during Judge Maryanne’s service?
The inside of the church was adorned with large bouquets of white lilies on the altar, while a cross made of lilies was placed in the vestibule.
According to the funeral program distributed to attendees, New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan blessed the body of Trump Barry.
During the service, the choir of St Ignatius Loyola church sang ‘A Mighty Fortress Is Our God’ as the processional hymn.
The funeral involved thirteen priests, including Jesuit Rev Joseph ‘Joe’ Parkes who knew Trump Barry and described her to The New York Post as “a lovely woman."
The celebrant for the funeral was Reverend Gerald Blaszczak, a former St Ignatius Loyola pastor who was “very close” to Trump Barry and her family.
Parkes also mentioned that Trump Barry was a Catholic convert, who used to walk to morning mass every day to receive Communion until she was injured a few years ago.
“She was a very generous woman. The homily was about the type of life she led, caring for so many people,” Parks said.
He continued, “She certainly helped the Jesuits out, particularly the schools we run for low-income kids. She was an extraordinarily generous person.”
“Her son (David Desmond) gave the eulogy. It was beautiful. He spoke for maybe 15 minutes. Cardinal Dolan was here very early, he couldn’t stay, he had another commitment, but he wanted to make sure he showed up to say hello to the family,” the priest stated.
Following the brief service, that was attended by roughly 100 friends and family, a solitary bagpiper performed as the casket of Trump Barry was carried out of the church and placed in the hearse. Donald Trump shook hands with the priests at the entrance of the church while his family stood beside him.
Judge Maryanne Trump Barry was an accomplished jurist who spent decades in the legal arena before retiring in February 2019.
Her retirement coincided with an investigation over alleged tax fraud related to her father Fred Trump’s real estate empire.
She rarely commented publicly about her brother's tenure in the White House, however, in August 2020, Trump Barry was secretly recorded by her niece, Mary L Trump where she criticized her younger brother, calling him "cruel" and stating that he had "no principles."
Internet sends condolences as Trump family convened for Judge Maryanne's funeral
The Internet, no matter how divided, came together in this instance to send kind words of support and messages of condolences to the Trump family.
Donald Trump, Melania, Eric, Don Jr., Ivanka and other family members gather at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in NYC for the funeral of President Trump’s older sister and former Third Circuit Judge, Maryanne Trump Barry. pic.twitter.com/ChIgHkPLWC
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 17, 2023
One X user wrote, “Prayers for the Trump Family.”
Another user stated, “Sad day for the Trump family.”
Another X user said, “Prayers to the Trump family in this difficult time. They are allowed to grieve just like everyone else.”
Prayers to the Trump family in this difficult time. They are allowed to grieve just like everyone else.
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) November 17, 2023
One user tweeted, “Rest her soul. A life of service.”
“My condolences to the Trump family,” a user tweeted.
Another user said, “Prayers for the Trump family…God Bless them all.”
Prayers for the Trump family…God Bless them all.
— Dr. Yvonne Vosburgh (@YvonneVosburgh) November 18, 2023
“Sleep well Maryanne Trump Barry,” one user wrote.
An X user tweeted, “May she rest in eternal peace.”