On Monday morning, the Kennedy family gathered to pay their final respects to Ethel Kennedy, the beloved matriarch who passed away at the age of 96 following complications from a stroke. Her funeral service was held at the Our Lady of Victory Parish, located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This intimate assembly was marked by somber church bells chiming beneath overcast skies, setting the backdrop for what was both a memorial of loss and celebration of legacy. The venue is merely a few miles from the Kennedy family's iconic compound at Hyannis Port, making it a poignant location for many members of the clan who have deep ties to the area.
Ethel Kennedy, known for her warm spirit and firm dedication to social justice, left behind indelible marks on the lives of many. She was married to Robert F. Kennedy, whose assassination in 1968 cemented the family's turbulent yet resilient history within American politics and public life. Ethel's passing signifies the waning of the Camelot era, which has captivated the public's imagination for decades. Attending her service were various family members, each adorned respectfully, reflecting the dignity befitting the woman they mourned.
RFK Jr., Ethel's second son and current presidential candidate, was seen holding hands with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. The couple's presence drew attention amid whispers about their relationship struggles, primarily stemming from RFK Jr.'s controversial endorsement of former President Donald Trump and allegations concerning inappropriate communications with political journalist Olivia Nuzzi. Regardless, both stood united as they navigated the bittersweet reality of the day.
The emotional weight of the event could be felt as the heavy casket, surrounded by beautiful white flowers, was carried inside the church. It was evident from the gathering of family members who arrived by limousine—some with expressions of grief and others sharing bittersweet memories—that the day was also about celebrating Ethel’s life and engaging with the bond of family.
Among the attendees was Caroline Kennedy, Ethel’s daughter and the last surviving child of President John F. Kennedy. Caroline, 66, is no stranger to the public eye, having served as the U.S. ambassador to both Japan and Australia. Always pulling double-duty as both family and diplomat, she took this time to honor her mother's legacy, reflecting on Ethel’s significant contributions to American society and the fight for civil rights.
Also present was Maria Shriver, former NBC News journalist and niece to Ethel Kennedy. Shriver attended alongside her son, Christopher Schwarzenegger. Maria’s brother, Anthony Shriver, who founded Best Buddies International—an organization focused on creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities—was also seen at the service.
The atmosphere outside Our Lady of Victory was solemn as mourners embraced and shared stories, paying tribute to the warmth and compassion of Ethel. Young and old alike were visibly moved, demonstrating the outreach of Ethel’s impact on both her immediate family and the broader community.
The heartfelt service, closed to the media and public, led to personal recollections of moments spent together as well as reflections on the family’s shared heritage. Many guests expressed how Ethel had impacted their lives and the lives of so many, serving as their personal guide through her unwavering dedication to social causes.
During the service, RFK Jr.'s daughter, Kyra Kennedy, took the opportunity to speak about her grandmother, offering heartfelt anecdotes and reminiscing about the familial ties she cherished. At just 28, Kyra is establishing her presence not only as part of the Kennedy legacy but also as her own individual, achieving recognition as a model and social media influencer.
Timothy Shriver, son of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and co-founder of Best Buddies, lent his support by being present, highlighting the importance of family unity during this difficult time.
While the media attention inevitably swirled around the family, the focus remained on Ethel, her life, and her charitable contributions, including her involvement with the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization. This legacy is as much about keeping the ideals of her late husband alive as it is about nurturing the next generation of the Kennedy family. The family has long been involved with causes ranging from civil rights to environmental advocacy, each endeavor reflecting Ethel's beliefs and values.
The celebration of Ethel Kennedy’s life culminated with her burial at the Arlington National Cemetery—a resting place synonymous with honor and remembrance, marking the Kennedy family's significant contributions to the nation's history. This location symbolizes the enduring legacy of the family, paralleling Ethel’s steadfast commitment to social justice and ethical integrity.
Despite the looming challenges faced by some family members, including the public scrutiny surrounding RFK Jr.’s political positions and personal life, the reverberations of Ethel’s impact will likely continue to shine through her children and grandchildren. For now, the Kennedy family stands united, paying homage to their matriarch and all she represented—a beacon of hope, resilience, and compassion.
