The Enduring Legacy of Ethel Kennedy
Early Life and Marriage
Ethel Skakel was born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago to a family of seven children. She was raised in a large estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, and developed a strong Catholic faith. In 1945, she roomed with her future sister-in-law, Jean Kennedy, at Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, where she earned a degree in history in 1949. She met her future husband, Robert F. Kennedy, during a ski trip in 1950, and they were married the same year.
Life as the Widow of Robert F. Kennedy
When her husband was assassinated in 1968, Ethel was pregnant with their 11th child. She was known for her bravery, calmly pushing back the surging crowd to give her husband air as he lay dying. After her husband’s death, Ethel dedicated her life to honoring his memory. She helped establish the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, which initially focused on finding solutions to poverty and political disenfranchisement in the US and later expanded to fund humanitarian and human rights projects worldwide.
The Challenges of Raising 11 Children
Ethel faced numerous challenges as a single mother of 11 children, including dealing with the loss of her parents and a brother in separate plane crashes. Two of her sons, Joseph and David, died in their early 20s, one from a drug overdose and the other in a freak skiing accident. Her children struggled with substance abuse, and the three eldest sons, Joseph, Robert Jr., and David, bore the brunt of her "capricious temperament."
Faith and Family Life
Ethel’s strong Catholic faith and her insistence on family responsibilities kept her from remarrying, despite friends’ suggestions. She believed that "how could I possibly do that with Bobby looking down from heaven? That would be adultery," according to People magazine. Her friends and family described her as more Kennedy than many born with the name, as she truly loved politics and campaigning.
Personal Life and Grief
Ethel’s personal life was marked by tragedy, including the deaths of her children, nieces, and nephews. She relied on her faith to cope with these losses, attending Mass daily and engaging in charity work. Despite the devastating circumstances, Ethel remained devoted to her children, who went on to pursue public service careers, including Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who served as lieutenant governor of Maryland, and Joseph Kennedy, who spent a dozen years in Congress.
Conclusion
Ethel Kennedy’s life was marked by immense loss, but she continued to live with purpose, dedication to her family, and strong faith. Her legacy extends through her children’s public service and her own tireless work with various organizations. As her daughter Rory Kennedy reflected, "Nobody gets a free ride… So you have your wits about you and dig in and do what you can."
FAQs
- What was Ethel Kennedy’s relationship like with her husband, Robert F. Kennedy?
- According to friends, their relationship was loving and strong, with Ethel being a great support to Robert’s career.
- How many children did Ethel Kennedy have?
- Eleven children, including five sons and six daughters, born between 1951 and 1976.
- What was Ethel Kennedy’s role in the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization?
- She was a key figure in establishing the organization in 1968, helping to fund humanitarian and human rights projects worldwide.
- How did Ethel Kennedy cope with the loss of her husband and children?
- Through her strong Catholic faith, attending Mass daily, and engaging in charity work, she found solace and continued to live with purpose.
