Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dies at 96
Ethel Skakel Kennedy, the matriarch of one of America's most prominent families and the widow of assassinated Senator Robert F. Kennedy, passed away on August 11, 2023, at her home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. She was 96 years old.
Ethel's life was deeply intertwined with the tumultuous history of the Kennedy clan. She was a pivotal figure in the tumultuous 1960s, offering a steadfast presence during her husband's political campaigns and a compassionate figure during his assassination. Her eleven children, born during her 25-year marriage to Robert F. Kennedy, became known as a generation of public figures, activists, and philanthropists, continuing their family's legacy of public service.
A Life of Love, Loss, and Legacy
Ethel Skakel was born in 1928 into a wealthy Connecticut family. She met Robert F. Kennedy, the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy, at a dinner party in 1949. They fell in love and married in 1950. Theirs was a marriage marked by immense love and devotion, but also by unimaginable tragedy.
Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1968, leaving Ethel to raise their eleven children alone. Her grief was immense, but her strength and resilience were unwavering. She turned her sorrow into action, dedicating herself to her children and to her husband's ideals of social justice and equality.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Ethel Kennedy was a tireless advocate for social justice causes. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, which continues to promote peace and human rights around the world. She also established the Ethel Kennedy Institute for Community Service, which empowers young people to become leaders in their communities.
Remembering Ethel Kennedy
Ethel Kennedy's passing marks the end of an era. She was a woman of remarkable strength, resilience, and compassion. Her life was a testament to the power of family, love, and hope. Her legacy of activism and social justice will continue to inspire generations to come.
She leaves behind a family that has left its mark on American history. Her eleven children, including Kerry Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have all pursued careers in public service, law, and philanthropy.
Ethel Kennedy will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, her courage in the face of tragedy, and her lifelong dedication to making the world a better place.
