Remembering Ethel Kennedy: Family and Social Justice Advocate
Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy, passed away at the age of 96 on October 10, 2024, due to complications from a stroke she suffered a week earlier.
A prominent figure in American history, she was deeply committed to her family and social causes throughout her life. Following her husband’s assassination in 1968, Ethel continued to uphold the Kennedy legacy while raising their 11 children.
She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and became a tireless advocate for civil rights and gun control.
Ethel endured numerous personal tragedies, including the deaths of two of her sons, David and Michael, as well as several other family members.
Her unwavering faith and devotion to her family were key to her resilience. Ethel was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 for her lifelong contributions to social justice causes.
Her family, in a heartfelt statement, said they were comforted by the thought that she had been reunited with her husband and loved ones.
Ethel leaves behind a legacy as a dedicated social activist and a symbol of strength for one of America’s most famous political families.