Many Gather To Remember Patricia Modell
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Honoring Patricia Modell. Monday, her family, friends and members of the Ravens organization both past and present mourned her death during a funeral mass at the Basilica.
Mary Bubala reports her casket was adorned by her favorite flower, one she was named after.
Patricia Rose Modell was remembered by those who loved her---her two sons, David and John, her husband and former Ravens owner, Art Modell, and players whom she had a very special relationship with.
Ray Lewis said for him, it was like losing a mom.
"She would just always grab my face---with two hands, grab my checks---that's mama, you know, that's mama, man, and even when you find yourself going through tough times, they were always there to lend you a hand," Lewis said.
"Patricia was such a great lady so it's just good for a couple of us to be here," said Joe Flacco.
Mrs. Modell was remembered during the Ravens game Sunday.
"All of us on our CBS Sports crew join with the fans and the management of the Baltimore Ravens in expressing our condolences and sympathy with Art Modell, the former owner of the Ravens, on the loss of his wife, Patricia," an announcer said.
Players wore her initials on their helmets and Monday, they remembered how she touched them.
"Charming, devastatingly beautiful, smart, had a lot of opinions about football, which she was always right," said Coach John Harbaugh. "It's a sad moment but also a celebration of her life and work."
Modell was an accomplished actress and longtime benefactor of the arts. Her legacy and name now grace the Lyric Opera House.
"She worked so hard with us on our summer camp this year where we were able to bring students from all over the area and she will be missed," said Sandy Richmond.
Modell died last week after being hospitalized for five months. She was 80.
