Members of the Kennedy family gathered on Monday for the funeral of Ethel Kennedy, the wife of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. Ethel Kennedy, who raised their 11 children after her husband's assassination and remained dedicated to social causes and the family's legacy, passed away at the age of 96. The funeral, held at Our Lady of Victory in Centerville, Massachusetts, was a private event.
Mourners gathered at the church under a cool gray sky to pay their respects. Ethel Kennedy's passing was a result of complications from a stroke she suffered earlier in the month. In a statement, the family expressed their love for her and highlighted her significant impact on social justice and human rights.
President Joe Biden praised Ethel Kennedy as an American icon, known for her optimism, moral courage, resilience, and service. She leaves behind a large family, including nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
As the matriarch of the Kennedy family, Ethel Kennedy was one of the last surviving members of a generation that included President John F. Kennedy. Her life was marked by tragedy, having witnessed the assassinations of her husband and brother-in-law within a span of five years.
Following Robert F. Kennedy's death, Ethel Kennedy founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and became an advocate for causes such as gun control and human rights. Despite the public nature of her husband's assassination, she rarely spoke about the tragic event.
