In Centerville, Massachusetts, the Kennedy family gathered on Monday to pay their final respects to Ethel Kennedy, the widow of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Ethel, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 96, is remembered for her commitment to social justice and for raising their 11 children after her husband’s tragic assassination.
The private funeral service was held at Our Lady of Victory, located approximately 28 miles north of Boston. Family and friends congregated in the church as the overcast sky cast a somber mood over the event. Ethel’s death was attributed to complications following a stroke she experienced earlier in the month.
In a heartfelt statement, the family conveyed their deep love for her, highlighting her legacy that includes nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren, along with a multitude of nieces and nephews. President Joe Biden praised her as “an American icon,” noting her enduring optimism, moral courage, and her commitment to service.
As a matriarch of the Kennedy clan, which included President John F. Kennedy, Ethel was one of the few remaining members of that generation. Her family shared that she had been enjoying quality time with relatives before her recent health decline. Born into a wealthy family, she tied the knot with Robert F. Kennedy in 1950 and faced stark tragedy at a young age, witnessing profound loss in the public eye.
Ethel was at her husband’s side when he was assassinated at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968, following his victory in California’s Democratic primary. Just under five years earlier, she had also experienced the assassination of her brother-in-law in Dallas. Following Robert’s death, Ethel established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and campaigned for various social causes, including gun control and human rights initiatives. Despite her many public endeavors, she seldom spoke of the harrowing events surrounding her husband’s murder.
