Ethel Kennedy, the widow of the late U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy and a towering figure within the Kennedy political dynasty, passed away on October 10, 2024, at the age of 96, following complications from a stroke. The news of her passing was shared by her grandson, former Congressman Joe Kennedy III, who recalled her as a remarkable grandmother and influential matriarch of the Kennedy family.
"It is with our hearts full of love we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother," Joe Kennedy said on social media. He noted her dedication to family, mentioning she left behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. Kennedy was noted not only for her family connections but also as a staunch advocate for social justice and human rights.
Born Ethel Skakel on April 11, 1928, she hailed from Chicago and was raised in Greenwich, Connecticut. She caught the eye of her future husband, Robert, at just 17 during a vacation at a ski resort. The couple married on June 17, 1950, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, solidifying their bond both romantically and politically.
Throughout their time together, Ethel worked passionately alongside Robert, helping with his campaigns, including those for his brother, President John F. Kennedy. Robert Kennedy served as Attorney General before being elected to the Senate from New York, where he emerged as a strong voice for social change. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was assassinated on June 5, 1968, just after announcing his victory in the California primary for the Democratic presidential nomination.
A few months after his death, Ethel gave birth to their youngest child, Rory, demonstrating her resilience during unimaginable loss. Ethel not only carried forth Robert's legacy by founding the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Center, but she also immersed herself deeply as a matriarch, raising her 11 children as single mother. This organization promotes social justice and human rights, reflective of the values Robert championed during his life.
Over the years, Ethel became increasingly involved with various human rights initiatives. Her work garnered recognition, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to her by President Barack Obama in 2014. At the award ceremony, Obama highlighted her enduring commitment to social justice, calling her dedicated advocacy "a lifetime's work."
Ethel's life was marked by significant heartache and trials, including the loss of two of her children, Michael, who died tragically skiing, and David, who succumbed to substance abuse. Her ability to find strength amid these tragedies shaped her legacy as one of resilience.
President Joe Biden expressed his condolences, calling Ethel Kennedy "a matriarch with a spine of steel and a heart of gold" which inspired many. He emphasized the impact her loss would have on the community, reflecting on moments she shared with his family when they faced similar grief.
Following her passing, countless tributes poured out from family and friends, celebrating her intense loyalty and dedication to her family. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., her son, honored her on social media, praising her unique sense of "tough love" and recalling the joy she derived from spending time with her family. He acknowledged her challenges and losses but emphasized her unwavering spirit and humor. "She is with him now, with my brothers, with her parents, and with her many dogs," he fondly remarked, capturing her deep affection for her loved ones.
Throughout her lengthy life, Ethel Kennedy became emblematic of the strength of women following loss and tragedy. She balanced the personal pain of losing her husband and children with public service, advocating for many causes close to her heart. Her story mirrors the tragedies of the Kennedy family, growing up within the shadows cast by loss yet pushing through to create lasting change.
Her legacy extends far beyond her family – as she became associated with movements for justice and equality, standing firmly against societal injustices. She often linked social activism to her devout Catholic faith, intertwining personal beliefs with broader social causes.
Even as edicts and structures of society shifted wherever Kennedy went, she was viewed as someone of inspiring fortitude. Friends and family alike credit her dedication to her faith and her community as core components of who she was, alongside her fierce commitment to her family legacy. Remembered as the heart of the Kennedy clan, Ethel leaves behind enduring values of strength, compassion, and commitment to human rights.
While the world continues to shift and evolve, Ethel Kennedy's life remains interwoven with the fabric of historical movements and family legacy, reinforcing how deeply connected one's personal narrative can be with broader societal change. Survived by her children and their families, she leaves behind lessons on love, resilience, and faith—qualities she exemplified until her final days.
Attendees at her memorial and wake will undoubtedly commemorate her significant contributions and her unwavering spirit, celebrating the remarkable life of Ethel Kennedy, who inspired many through her actions and unwavering commitment to social justice.
