Ethel Kennedy: Funeral, Legacy & Family Tributes - Latest News

Was it the unwavering dedication to her family, the relentless pursuit of social justice, or the enduring spirit that defined Ethel Kennedy? Ethel Kennedy, the matriarch of the Kennedy family, was a woman of immense strength, resilience, and compassion, whose life was a testament to unwavering devotion and tireless advocacy.

The news of Ethel Kennedy's passing, at the age of 96, on Thursday, sent ripples of remembrance through the nation. The woman who had, for decades, been a pillar of the Kennedy family, a beacon of hope for many, and a tireless advocate for social causes, had finally succumbed to the effects of a stroke she suffered just days before. Her death marked the end of an era, the last link to the Camelot days of the Kennedy family in the White House, an era of hope and idealism that continues to resonate today.

The somber events of the past few weeks unfolded against a backdrop of tributes and reflections, beginning with the funeral services held in Centerville, Massachusetts on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Our Lady of Victory Church. The day was marked by a cool gray sky, a fitting backdrop for the mourning of a life so profoundly lived. Later, a memorial service took place on October 16, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., a space that echoed with memories and the shared grief of family, friends, and political figures. The final chapter of her journey, as her mortal remains were laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, a month after her death, next to her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, sealed her place in history.

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Ethel Kennedy's life was interwoven with tragedy and triumph, a testament to her enduring spirit. She became the wife of Robert F. Kennedy in 1950. She stood by her husband through his political career, a steadfast partner in the pursuit of justice and equality. The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968 marked a pivotal moment in her life. Despite the profound grief she experienced, she channeled her energy into raising their eleven children and keeping her late husband's legacy alive.

Her commitment to social causes never wavered. The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights (RFK Center), became a platform for advocacy and a symbol of the values she and her husband shared. Through the RFK Center, she continued to champion human rights, social justice, and equality, both in the United States and around the world. Her work provided a lasting impact on numerous issues, including poverty, racial discrimination, and political oppression, among many others.

The funeral on Cape Cod, a location that was a deeply rooted part of the Kennedy family's history and a location where they found solace and refuge, was a private affair, reflecting the family's desire for quiet reflection amidst their grief. The private mass, the gathering of family and friends, underscored the deeply personal nature of their loss. Yet, the services in Washington, D.C., and the eventual burial at Arlington National Cemetery, provided a public platform for remembrance, where dignitaries and admirers alike were able to pay their respects.

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President Joe Biden's presence at the memorial services, echoing the sentiment of many mourners, spoke to the esteem in which she was held. These remarks, delivered in the wake of her death, captured her essence: her love, her work, and her enduring legacy. She was a woman who had the capacity to influence and inspire and to bring people together around common values.

Photos from the funeral, shared by her daughter, Kerry Kennedy, and other tributes offered a glimpse into the outpouring of love, as well as the many lives that Ethel Kennedy touched. The gathering of the Kennedy clan, the children and grandchildren, who, in their own words, paid tribute to the matriarch, her courage and her legacy.

Ethel Kennedy's legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her family and the causes she believed in. She faced personal tragedies with grace and turned her grief into a force for good. She will be remembered as a woman who never gave up, who always fought for what she believed in, and who inspired generations of others to do the same.

The Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum has set up a condolences book, a space for visitors to reflect on Ethels legacy, to share their thoughts and memories of this remarkable woman. This act is a reminder that her spirit and influence continue to inspire, even in her absence. In the days, weeks, and months to come, the world will continue to grapple with the loss of Ethel Kennedy. Her memory will live on, not just in the annals of history, but in the hearts of those she touched, and in the ongoing work of the RFK Center, a living testament to her enduring commitment to a more just and equitable world.