Ethel Skakel Kennedy, the beloved matriarch of the Kennedy family, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 96.

Surrounded by her nine surviving children and close friends, she departed this life in Boston, leaving behind a legacy marked by love, resilience, and an indomitable spirit.

In a heartfelt tribute, her son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., expressed profound gratitude for his mother’s rich and eventful life. He reflected on her extensive family, which includes 34 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, noting her unwavering dedication to them all.

“God blessed her with the energy to give them all the attention they required,” he wrote, emphasizing her vitality even in her declining months. Kennedy remembered her infectious sense of humor and joy for life, stating, “She wrung joy from every moment.”

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Ethel was known for her deep sense of longing for the day she would reunite with her late husband, Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968.

Robert Jr. remarked, “She is with him now,” along with her brothers David and Michael, and her parents, among others. Her passion for life was matched only by her love for her numerous pets, including 16 Irish setters, all affectionately named “Rusty.”

Ethel’s complex character was highlighted by her unique blend of reverence and irreverence.

She held a deep faith in the Catholic Church but was often skeptical of its clerics. Her admiration for U.S. presidents, whom she knew personally, coexisted with a critical view of government and authority figures. Robert Jr. noted her ability to balance her contempt for pretension with a profound compassion for others, making her a figure of both strength and empathy.

Throughout her life, Ethel demonstrated a remarkable resilience, overcoming numerous tragedies, including the assassinations of her husband and brother-in-law, John F. Kennedy, as well as the early deaths of two of her children. Her sunny optimism played a crucial role in helping her family heal from these devastating losses. “Her buoyancy in a life beset by heartbreaks fueled her adventures,” Robert Jr. remarked.

Ethel was also known for her physical and moral fearlessness. An accomplished equestrian, she held a high jump record of 7 feet 9 inches on horseback.

She was recognized as one of the best female amateur tennis players and was skilled in various sports, from football to kayaking. Her disciplined approach to life was evident in her ability to endure more than a decade of pregnancy while maintaining an active lifestyle.

As a mother, Ethel was known for her tough love. While she could be demanding, her loyalty to her children was unwavering. Robert Jr. shared that she instilled in each of her 11 children a love for storytelling, a spirit of competition, and an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. “I credit her for all my virtues,” he stated, expressing deep gratitude for her influence on his life.

Ethel Skakel Kennedy’s passing marks the end of an era for the Kennedy family and the nation. Her legacy of resilience, love, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire future generations. As her family mourns her loss, they celebrate a life well-lived, filled with adventure, compassion, and a fierce commitment to family.