Elected officials from across Massachusetts grieved the loss of Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy who died at 96 Thursday following a stroke earlier this month, according to her family.
Ethel Kennedy was long dedicated to social causes and her family’s legacy after Sen. Kennedy died and politicians in the Bay State quickly paid their respect to her legacy.
U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan said Ethel Kennedy’s work “touched the lives of so many here in Massachusetts, across the nation, and around the globe.”
“Her tremendous legacy will live on through her family who she loved more than anything in the world,” Trahan said in a statement posted to social media.
In a statement, Joe Kennedy III said his grandmother died “due to complications related to a stroke suffered last week.” She left behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews, “all of whom love her dearly,” he said in a statement.
“She was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant, and we are comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy; her children David and Michael; her daughter-in-law Mary; her grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse; and her great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie,” Kennedy III said.
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey said Ethel Kennedy was a “woman of true grace and grit, a dedicated matriarch, and a supportive friend.” Her generosity of spirit “transcended politics,” he said, and her dedication to her family and her husband’s legacy were a driving force.
“When Ethel started the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights in 1968, she ensured that her husband’s life’s work would continue. She transformed her personal tragedy into a lasting legacy of public service and global leadership. Her mission will forever be felt beyond the shores of her beautiful home in Hyannis to the far reaches of the world where her fight for human rights lives on,” Markey said.
Gov. Maura Healey said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of Ethel Kennedy’s death.
“She was a passionate advocate for human rights and leaves behind a remarkable legacy of public service. My heart goes out to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and all who knew and loved her, during this difficult time,” Healey said in a statement.
This is a developing story…