Kennedy family holds funeral for Ethel Kennedy on October 14, 2024

In Centerville, Massachusetts, members of the Kennedy family gathered on Monday for the funeral of Ethel Kennedy, who passed away at the age of 96 due to complications from a recent stroke. Ethel, the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was known for her dedication to social justice and human rights, raising their 11 children after her husband's assassination in 1968. The funeral service was private, held at Our Lady of Victory church, with mourners attending under a somber gray sky. President Joe Biden honored her legacy, describing her as an American icon and a symbol of resilience. Ethel Kennedy's life was marked by tragedy, having experienced the assassinations of her husband and brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy, at a young age. Despite these hardships, she became a prominent advocate for various social causes, founding the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights shortly after her husband's death. Her commitment to social issues, including gun control, left a lasting impact on the community and the nation. The family released a statement highlighting her legacy, which includes nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren. Ethel's recent interactions with family members before her illness showcased her enduring connection to her loved ones. Her passing marks the end of an era for the Kennedy family, as she was one of the last remaining members of her generation. Ethel Kennedy's contributions to social causes and her role as a matriarch of the Kennedy family will be remembered as a significant part of American history, reflecting her resilience and dedication to her family's legacy.