The Life of Ethel Kennedy: Pillar of Strength and Honor
By • October 18, 2024 0 87
The echo of Ethel Kennedy’s legacy will forever resonate within our hearts and the annals of our nation’s history.
Family and friends gathered at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in downtown Washington, D.C., to celebrate the life of Ethel Skakel Kennedy, born in 1928 in Chicago and who died Oct. 10 in Boston.
Her impact was so evident in her beloved 11 children with the strength of an oak tree and unwavering support. During this emotional and divine service on Oct. 16, three of her devoted daughters, Kathleen, Kerry and Rory, shared their own stories — all very different but all-encompassing: the strength, the unwavering devotion and faith in God, and the endurance of their mother, Ethel.
Rory (the youngest) captured the emotional and very bittersweet moment for her mother, who delivered Rory, knowing that her father was no longer there for this baby girl to touch and love. She so proudly spoke about her and her brother’s arrest at the age of 13 in front of the South African Embassy for protesting against apartheid and when her mother so enthusiastically and proudly drove them to the embassy that evening.
During a skiing vacation, Kerry spoke about her incredible courage and faith that saved them from dying in cold and snow-covered Colorado mountains.
Kathleen shared that her mother wanted her children to learn and live the lessons of our American government and its devoted public servants, including the intricate process, at very early ages. Attending Senate hearings on the Mafia was not exactly time well spent for the Kennedy young children. These anecdotes all captured what Ethel Kennedy was about and how she lived and wanted her children to learn, live and be kind.
Ethel Kennedy was more than a mother, for she was the “real champion and warrior for human rights,” and this was told by two Hispanic American farm worker leaders who remembered how Ethel Kennedy joined hands and walked down Worth Avenue in Palm Beach in protest and uphold fair farm workers rights.
Ethel’s grandchildren individually spoke of her witty sense of humor and her regular advice to seek forgiveness rather than permission, imparting the value of both manners and mischief.
In addition, the musicians included Nova Tate, Kenny Chesney, Sting and Stevie Wonder. The latter two were unexpected guests. Stevie Wonder sang a heartfelt rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer,” then a personalized version of “Isn’t She (Ethel) Lovely?”
President Joe Biden’s final remarks followed the ruckus enjoyment of Stevie’s groove, and he was greeted with equally ruckus applause as he entered the pulpit. His words were thoughtful, heartfelt, and sentimental, reflecting as he and Ethel shared a history of tragedy early in their political lives, which bound their families together, but also reflected on a matriarch who had a passion for both social issues and family engagement, embracing guests at the dining room table that could always fit one more.
“Though she has left us, her spirit remains a guiding light for all who seek to live with honor, courage, and compassion,” Biden said.
In closing, may Ethel lay in peace joining her beloved husband and family. The tribute to the Kennedy matriarch brought together the pillars of the Democratic Party and an end to an era.
Kathleen Kennedy Townshend. Courtesy Kerry Kennedy.
Former President Bill Clinton. Courtesy Kerry Kennedy.
Former President Barack Obama. Courtesy Kerry Kennedy.
Kerry Kennedy. Courtesy Kerry Kennedy.
The extended Kennedy family with some friends at the Bishop’s house. Courtesy Kerry Kennedy.
