Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, passed away at the age of 96. As a steadfast matriarch of the Kennedy clan, she was a pillar of strength through numerous personal tragedies. Her life was marked by the violent deaths of her husband and brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy, as well as the premature losses within her own family.
Despite these challenges, Ethel forged a path of advocacy and public service. After the assassination of her husband in 1968, she focused on continuing his work by founding the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. Her commitment to social justice, human rights, and stricter gun laws was unwavering. She was also a significant voice in the Democratic Party, supporting candidates like Barack Obama.
Born Ethel Skakel, she was raised in a Catholic and affluent family, which facilitated her entrance into the influential Kennedy circle. Her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy in 1950 was a union of two powerful families, cementing her role in the political landscape of America.
Ethel's resilience was fortified by her faith, which she leaned on heavily throughout her life. She raised eleven children, supporting them as they navigated their own paths within the shadows of the Kennedy legacy. Her life was a testament to turning personal grief into public purpose, embodying the spirit of service and optimism. President Joe Biden lauded her as a "backbone of steel" for both her family and the nation, highlighting her enduring impact on American society.
