Ethel Kennedy, known for her significant contributions to human rights and her role within the Kennedy family, passed away on 10 October 2024 at the age of 96. Her daughter Kerry announced her death, attributing it to complications from a stroke suffered shortly before. Ethel’s passing marks the end of an era for the prominent Kennedy lineage and for all those inspired by her lifelong advocacy for social justice.
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Born on 11 April 1928 in Chicago, Ethel Skakel was the youngest of six children in a wealthy family; her father, George, was a coal magnate. In a family tragedy, both of her parents died in a plane crash in 1955, majorly impacting her early life. Following this event, the family relocated to Greenwich, Connecticut, in 1936. Ethel pursued her education at Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart in New York City, where she crossed paths with Jean Kennedy, the sister of Robert F. Kennedy.
Ethel’s life took a significant turn when she met Robert F. Kennedy on a ski trip in Canada, introduced by her sister, Jean. After an engagement in February 1950, they married four months later, embarking on a shared journey that would last until Robert’s tragic assassination in 1968. The couple had eleven children, beginning with daughter Kathleen born in 1951, and ending with Rory, who arrived just after Robert’s death. Ethel bravely faced the heart-rending loss of two children: David, who died from a drug overdose in 1984, and Michael, who succumbed to a skiing accident in 1997.
Following her husband’s assassination, Ethel pledged not to remarry, feeling that such actions would betray Robert’s memory. She provided unwavering support for his political ambitions, notably during his campaign for the Democratic nomination in 1968, where she was regarded as his most devoted supporter. Her life after Roberts’ assassination was a testament to resilience and strength as she focused on raising their children alone.
In addition to her role as a mother, Ethel emerged as a vital figure in human rights activism. After Robert’s death, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, continuing his legacy of advocacy for social and economic justice. Her tireless efforts earned her recognition, culminating in her receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2014, honouring her dedication to various humanitarian causes.
More recently, the Kennedy family has again captured public attention through the FX series “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.” Ethel appears prominently in the fifth episode, navigating her family environment and certain traditions while introducing Carolyn Bessette to the Kennedy legacy. The series depicts Ethel as a stern yet caring matriarch, offering insights into her expectations and family values during gatherings at the iconic family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
Ethel’s relationships within the Kennedy family were nuanced. She reportedly guided Carolyn, advising her on how to navigate the complexities of being with a Kennedy. This dynamic has been dramatized in the series, showcasing Ethel’s protective nature as well as her tough-love approach to family relations. Her candid discussions and firm advice highlighted a deep understanding of the struggles faced by those intertwined in the Kennedy narrative.
Ethel remained admired not only for her marriage to a political icon but also for her own substantial public service contributions. Her life was filled with both triumphs and tragedies, yet she consistently showcased a strong commitment to family and societal betterment. Ethel’s passing leaves a void in the Kennedy family and among the many who looked to her as a beacon of hope and resilience.
After her death, Ethel was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery next to her husband, Robert, a poignant reunion that echoes the enduring legacy of love they shared. Kerry, in her tribute, reminded those reflecting on Ethel’s life of the lasting impact she made, stating that her extraordinary legacy would continue to guide and inspire others. Ethel Kennedy’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence one individual can have in both family and wider society.