BREAKING: Ethel Kennedy, social activist and wife of Robert F. Kennedy, has died

3

For ads-free news, click here.

From the Associated Press: BOSTON, Mass. (AP) — Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy who raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter, died on Thursday, her family said. She was 96.

Kennedy had been hospitalized after suffering a stroke in her sleep on Oct. 3, her family said.

The Kennedy matriarch, whose children were Kathleen, Joseph II, Robert Jr., David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas and Rory, was one of the last remaining members of a generation that included President John F. Kennedy. Her family said she had recently enjoyed seeing many of her relatives, before falling ill.

A grandson, former Rep. Joe Kennedy III, announced on social media Thursday morning:

“It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week. Along with a lifetime’s work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly.

“She was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant, and we are comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy; her children David and Michael; her daughter-in-law Mary; her grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse; and her great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie.

“Please keep her in your hearts and prayers.”

A daughter, Kerry Kennedy, also shared the statement from the family, and wrote, “It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our mother, Ethel Kennedy. Please keep our mother in your hearts and prayers.”

Maria Schriver posted the following tribute on social media:

“My aunt, Ethel Kennedy passed this morning. What a life she led. What a huge family she created and leaves behind. I’m so glad I was able to laugh with her this summer, to share memories with her. She was a devoted sister-in-law to my mother, a one of a kind aunt to me and my cousins. She was fearless, funny, smart, incredible athlete, patriot, madly in love with my Uncle Bobby, and devoted to making our country better in every way. She was a woman of deep faith. When it got tough, and there were a lot of tough times, she dug in. She relied on her faith like my own mother. They were a pair of strong, determined women. What lives, what examples. It’s impossible to put her life in a caption.

“I love you, Ethel. Godspeed, and to all my cousins, I send my love to you on this day and on all days. ♥️”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maria Shriver (@mariashriver)

The Associated Press noted the huge number of deaths in the Kennedy family which Ethel lived through, including: 

  • She was by Robert F. Kennedy’s side when he was fatally shot in the kitchen of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968, just after winning the Democratic presidential primary in California.
  • Her brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy, had been assassinated in Dallas less than five years earlier.
  • Her parents were killed in a plane crash in 1955
  • Her brother died in a 1966 crash
  • Her son David Kennedy later died of a drug overdose
  • Son Michael Kennedy died in a skiing accident
  • Nephew John F. Kennedy Jr. in a plane crash

Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani posted a statement: “Ethel Kennedy led an exemplary American and Catholic life. The tragedies she endured would have crushed many. But her love for, and dedication to, her family, humanity and God leave us a prominent example of a truly heroic life.”

Below is an undated photo of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with his mother.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL DML NEWS APP READERS ABOUT COMMENTS ON ARTICLES:

PLEASE ALLOW A FEW MINUTES FOR YOUR COMMENTS TO APPEAR, as the feature on our website that automatically approves comments is currently down.  We are hoping it will be fixed soon, but it is out of our control. We are making every effort to come in every few minutes and manually push all pending comments out.  We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your patience and understanding until this matter is resolved.  Please DO continue posting your comments.  Your interaction and feedback is still very important to us.  As usual, comments calling for violence or death toward any individual are not permitted.

The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS SECTION