A Life of Service: Ethel Kennedy’s Enduring Legacy
Ethel Kennedy, widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and tireless advocate for social justice, passed away on October 11, 2024, at 96. Her death marks the end of an era for one of America’s most prominent political dynasties.
Born in 1928 to a wealthy Chicago family, Ethel Skakel met her future husband through his sister Jean, her college roommate. The couple married in 1950, beginning a partnership to shape American politics and social activism for decades.
As Robert Kennedy’s political star rose, Ethel stood by his side. She supported his work as Attorney General under his brother, President John F. Kennedy, and later during his bid for the presidency. Tragedy struck in 1968 when Robert was assassinated while campaigning in Los Angeles.
Ethel was left to raise their 11 children alone. But rather than retreat from public life, she channeled her grief into action. Just months after her husband’s death, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. The organization continues its legacy by advocating for human rights around the world.
“Mom never wavered in her commitment to making the world a better place,” said her daughter, Kerry Kennedy. “Even in her darkest moments, she found strength in helping others.”
Throughout her life, Ethel remained a force for social change. She championed causes like gun control, farmworkers’ rights, and environmental protection. Her activism took her from picket lines to prisons, always standing up for those without a voice.
“Ethel Kennedy was more than just the wife of a famous politician,” said historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. “She was a remarkable woman in her own right, whose dedication to service inspired generations.”
Kennedy’s impact extended far beyond American shores. She traveled the globe to expose human rights abuses and promote democracy. Her work earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, which President Barack Obama presented to her.
“Ethel Kennedy showed us the power of moral courage,” Obama said then. “Her unwavering spirit in the face of unimaginable loss inspires us all.”
Despite the many tragedies that befell her family, including the deaths of two of her children, Kennedy maintained an optimistic outlook. She was known for her sharp wit and love of adventure, often leading her large brood on outdoor excursions.
“Grandma taught us that life is meant to be lived fully,” said her grandson, Joe Kennedy III. “She approached daily enthusiastically and committed to making a difference.”
In her later years, Kennedy remained active in political and social causes. She participated in hunger strikes to protest immigration policies and endorsed candidates she felt embodied her husband’s ideals.
Her passing leaves a void in American public life, but her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched.
“Ethel Kennedy showed us what it means to persevere in adversity,” said President Biden. “Her lifelong dedication to justice and human dignity will continue to inspire future generations.”
As the nation mourns her loss, we’re reminded of Kennedy’s words: “The future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike, timid and fearful in the face of bold projects and new ideas. Rather, it will belong to those who can blend passion, reason, and courage in a personal commitment to the ideals of American society.”
Ethel Kennedy lived those words every day of her remarkable life. Although her passing marks the end of an era, her spirit of service and compassion will endure.