A life dedicated to family and social causes: Ethel Kennedy’s enduring legacy

A life well-lived

Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, passed away on Thursday at the age of 96. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to family and social justice causes. Following the tragic assassination of her husband, Ethel bravely raised their 11 children while fiercely advocating for human rights.

The final chapter

The Kennedy family announced that Ethel had been hospitalized following a stroke in her sleep on October 3rd. Joe Kennedy III shared on social media, “It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother.”

A family statement highlighted her extraordinary life: “Along with a lifetime’s work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly.”

The matriarch’s lasting influence

Ethel Kennedy, whose children include Kathleen, Joseph II, Robert Jr., David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas, and Rory, was one of the last remaining members of the iconic Kennedy generation. Her family fondly remembers her enjoying time with relatives shortly before her passing.

Born into privilege as the daughter of a millionaire, Ethel’s life took a dramatic turn when she married Robert Kennedy in 1950. By the age of 40, she had endured a lifetime of public tragedy, beginning with her husband’s assassination in 1968, just after he won the California Democratic presidential primary. The loss of her parents, brother, and several children marked her life with sorrow, yet she continued to stand resilient.

Humble strength and family devotion

Ethel stood strong, sustained by her deep Catholic faith and her commitment to family. “She was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant,” her family shared, looking at the reunion with her loved ones in the afterlife as a source of comfort.

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Ethel’s mother-in-law, had once expressed concern about Ethel’s ability to handle so much tragedy while raising such a large family. Despite the worries, Ethel never gave way and became the pillar of strength for the Kennedys.

Champion of social justice

After Robert Kennedy’s death, Ethel established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, dedicating her efforts to gun control and human rights advocacy. Though rarely speaking about her husband’s assassination, she channeled her grief into impactful activism, supported by her children and extended family.

In 2008, Ethel, her brother-in-law Ted Kennedy, and niece Caroline Kennedy endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president, drawing parallels between Obama and her late husband. She continued her public engagements, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 and meeting with Pope Francis in 2015.

The next generation’s impact

Her children and grandchildren have carried on her legacy. Kathleen served as lieutenant governor of Maryland; Joseph represented Massachusetts in Congress; Kerry became a prominent human rights activist; and Christopher ran for governor of Illinois. Her son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., garnered national attention for various reasons, though not always in line with the family’s traditional liberal stance.

Ethel remained silent on her son’s controversial actions, even when other family members distanced themselves from his views. This notable restraint underlines her deep family loyalty amidst political and personal differences.

Joy amidst tragedy

Despite the many sorrows, Ethel thrived in social settings, often hosting memorable parties at their Hickory Hill estate. She was known for her competitive spirit, notably in tennis and her keen planning skills for outings and events. In 1962, she emphasized the importance of outdoor activities for her children, aligning this with her busy schedule as a Cabinet wife.

Accompanying her husband on global goodwill tours, Ethel advocated for Americans to travel and share their perspectives abroad. Her life reflected a blend of public service and intimate family moments, showcasing her multifaceted character.

Early life and meeting Robert

Ethel Skakel was born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago to a well-off Roman Catholic family. Growing up in a lavish estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, she attended esteemed schools before meeting Robert Kennedy. Their life together included a move to Virginia for his law studies and eventually settling at Hickory Hill.

Ethel supported Robert through his political journey, from chief counsel to the Senate Select Committee to his roles as attorney general and senator. Her visible shock at his assassination, while pregnant with their 11th child, became a poignant historical image.

Unyielding spirit

The Kennedy family experienced repeated tragedies, deeply affecting individual members such as son David Kennedy, who struggled with addiction and eventually died in 1984. Ethel remained firm on her stance against the release of Sirhan Sirhan, Robert’s assassin, reflecting her enduring sense of justice.

Though linked to other men after her husband’s death, including singer Andy Williams, Ethel never remarried. Her life remained focused on family and social missions.

Her 2008 visit to Indianapolis to honor Martin Luther King Jr. highlighted her commitment to civil rights. Friend Harry Belafonte praised her genuine nature and steadfast support for the Kennedy family’s causes.

In 2013, she joined President Obama and former President Clinton to commemorate JFK’s legacy, underscoring her integral role in American history.

An enduring legacy for future generations

The nonprofit center Ethel founded continues to champion human rights globally, commemorating her dedication through annual awards and ongoing advocacy. Active in various social causes, Ethel often attended demonstrations and pursued initiatives aligned with her values.

Dividing her time between homes post-2009, Ethel Kennedy’s enduring legacy remains a testimony to her resilience and commitment to social justice. Her life story continues to inspire, encouraging all to engage with the content and follow updates for further reflections on such impactful figures.