WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Kyle Francis Kennedy, the granddaughter of former U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, has died at the age of 42, according to her obituary published by Burke Funeral Homes.
Kennedy, the daughter of Michael Kennedy and Victoria Gifford Kennedy, died peacefully on September 21 at her home in Westwood, Massachusetts. Her cause of death remains pending, according to the Westwood town clerk, who spoke to The Guardian.
Born on July 6, 1984, in Washington, D.C., Kennedy spent much of her childhood in Cohasset, Massachusetts, before pursuing a career in education and advocacy.
She began her professional career as a teacher in New York City through the Teach for America programme after earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Georgetown University. She later obtained a master’s degree in early education from Pace University and a master’s degree in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
According to her obituary, Kennedy was committed to improving early childhood education and expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged children. She later became an advocate for people living with disabilities.
In August 2012, she married Liam Kerr in Boston. The couple had three children, although their daughter Josephine died shortly after birth. Kennedy and Kerr later separated.
An enthusiastic athlete and long-distance runner, Kennedy completed the 2019 Boston Marathon in heavy rain, finishing approximately 20 minutes faster than her father had.
In 2020, she suffered a severe spinal cord injury that resulted in long-term paralysis and other medical challenges. Despite these difficulties, she continued advocating for people with disabilities, including testifying at the Massachusetts State House during a hearing on discrimination in healthcare for people with disabilities.
Her obituary described her final years as challenging, noting her determination to maintain her sense of humour while striving to be the best possible mother to her children.
Kennedy is survived by her sons, Conor, 12, and Declan, 10; her former husband, Liam Kerr; her mother, Victoria, the daughter of Frank Gifford and Maxine Avis Ewart and the stepdaughter of television personality Kathie Lee Gifford; her brother, Michael, and his family; and her sister, Rory, and her family.
Her funeral service was held privately, according to her obituary.
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