WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Joe Biden gave the final eulogy at a memorial service for Ethel Kennedy in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.  During an emotional speech, President Biden recounted how Ethel Kennedy was there for him during the loss of his first wife and daughter, and later in life the loss of his son, Beau. “When I lost my family, and she was there,” Biden said during a service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. “Ethel was always there for so many people. She played an essential role in my life as well.” Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, died last Thursday at the age of 96 after suffering complications from a stroke earlier this month. Her family held a private funeral on Monday. “The Biden family is here for you as you’ve always been for us,” Biden said. Wednesday’s memorial service included special performances from Stevie Wonder, Sting and Kenny Chesney. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, as well as former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama delivered remarks ahead of President Biden. “She was a big dose in a small package,” Obama said. “She became a passionate advocate for everything from juvenile justice to civil rights to environmental protection.” She shared 11 children with Kennedy and was at his side when he was fatally shot on June 5, 1968. Ethel Kennedy founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and advocated for causes including gun control and human rights. “She was a national treasure. We all know that,” Pelosi said. Ethel Kennedy was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Obama in 2014. The Associated Press contributed to this report.