Inside the Final Days of RFK Jr.’s Second Wife Mary Richardson Kennedy: Read PEOPLE’s Full 2012 Cover Story on Her Tragic Death at 52

Mary Richardson Kennedy’s death by suicide on May 16, 2012, deeply affected the American public, intensifying the narrative of tragedy associated with the Kennedy family. The devastating incident occurred during her protracted divorce from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stirring renewed interest in her personal struggles and their tumultuous marriage as a new biography titled RFK Jr.: The Fall and Rise emerges.

Just a day before her passing, Mary made a poignant phone call to her estranged husband, in which she expressed her feelings of being misunderstood and expressed, “You know me better than anybody in the world. I was such a good girl.” This final conversation was recounted at her memorial service by Bobby, who was visibly emotional, reflecting on their complex relationship. He affectionately described her as the “most perfect human being” and lamented the inner demons she battled.

The circumstances surrounding Mary’s death highlighted not just the grief of her loved ones but also a familial rift. As Mary’s siblings made their way to Bedford, New York, they were reportedly met with hostility, being asked to leave by Bobby, who wished to maintain control over the situation. Consequently, her family found themselves involved in legal disputes over her burial arrangements, leading to separate memorial services in Manhattan, showcasing the bitter divide between the two families.

Mary’s legacy leaves behind four children aged between 10 and 17, who are now faced with the challenge of growing up without their mother. The two memorial services vividly illustrated the contrasting perceptions of Mary. While Bobby Kennedy’s remarks focused on her struggles, attendees at the memorial held by the Richardson family celebrated her warmth and the joy she brought to others, sparking introspection about the underlying issues that may have contributed to her tragic decision.

A closer look at Mary’s life reveals a woman dedicated to her family and community. Friends consistently portrayed her as a caring mother and devoted friend, deeply engaged in various charitable endeavours, particularly those related to her children’s health. As someone who sought to improve the lives of others, Mary had played a significant role in launching the Food Allergy Initiative, which raised substantial funds for critical research.

However, her genteel public persona masked a growing turmoil in her personal life. As her marriage with Bobby deteriorated, compounded by a significant home renovation, witnesses noted a marked change in her behaviour. The completion of the renovations coincided with their separation, ushering in a deeply concerning period for her. Friends have noted that Mary used sedatives to cope and that her sense of identity appeared to become entwined with her husband, heightening her struggles as their relationship frayed.

Mary’s struggles with mental health were not unknown; however, perspectives on its origins vary. While some friends indicate she had battled depression since her youth, others discount this narrative, attributing her challenges to the stress of her divorce. Reports surfaced over the years of various incidents involving police calls and public disputes, hinting at the private battles she faced, including a consequential DUI arrest shortly after Bobby filed for divorce in May 2010.

As the divorce proceedings escalated, so too did the strain on Mary. Those close to her noted an uptick in her drinking as the tumult of their split took a toll on her mental well-being. Even as she sought treatment and attempted to regain control of her life, the emotional and legal fallout left her grappling with feelings of isolation and despair.

In the weeks prior to her death, some friends indicated that Mary appeared to be on an upswing, attending social events and showing pride in her children’s accomplishments. However, the reality of her children no longer living with her was an unbearable wound, particularly as Mother’s Day approached. Friends struggled to reach out, but Mary expressed reluctance to engage, further emphasising her despondency.

Mary was laid to rest near the Kennedy family compound as per her children’s wishes, perpetuating the legacy of a family often intersected by profound grief. Her children will, moving forward, face the daunting task of reconciling the duality of their mother’s life—the caring individual revered for her contributions to her community and the shadow of sorrow that loomed over her personal struggles. As friends and family reflect on her life, they acknowledge the fundamental belief she held in the goodness of individuals, a belief that, tragically, may have contributed to her undoing.