BOSTON (WHDH) - Reactions poured in Thursday after family members announced the death of prominent Kennedy family matriarch Ethel Kennedy.
Kennedy, 96, suffered a stroke last week and died Thursday morning.
“Please keep our mother in your hearts and prayers,” family members said in a statement.
The widow of Robert F. Kennedy and the mother of 11 children, Ethel devoted her life to social justice and other causes. She was the subject of a 2012 HBO documentary simply titled “Ethel.” In 2014, President Barack Obama honored her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Family members first announced Ethel’s stroke on Tuesday.
A condolence book was set up at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum for those wishing to pay tribute to Ethel.
“That’s an end of an era. An end of a legend,” said Cam Morrella, a visitor from San Jose, Calif.
One of the last remaining Kennedy family members of JFK’s generation, for many, mourning Ethel is like closing out “Camelot” — a time often considered the very best of humanity.
“It was a very hopeful time, a very happy time. People liked politics back then,” said Mary Lou Kelleher, a visitor from Stoneham.
Local politicians also gave their condolences to the Kennedy family.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ethel Kennedy, a woman of true grace and grit, a dedicated matriarch, and a supportive friend,” said Sen. Ed Markey in a statement late Thursday morning. “Ethel Kennedy’s generosity of spirit transcended politics, and her dedication to her family and her husband’s legacy were a driving force.”
Grieving the death of her husband, two of her children, her nephew John F. Kennedy Jr., and her granddaughter Saoirse Kennedy Hill, Markey said Ethel “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 shared her own statement, saying she was also saddened to learn of Ethel’s passing.
“She was a passionate advocate for human rights and leaves behind a remarkable legacy of public service,” Healey said. “My heart goes out to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and all who knew and loved her, during this difficult time.”
Ethel was by her husband’s side when he was assassinated in 1968, and she was left a young widow.
“I remember seeing her pregnant with her child when Bobby Kennedy was killed. It was just surreal, that’s a good way to put it. Pretty surreal,” said Gregory Chestnut, a visitor from Fort Worth, Tex.
Ethel gave birth to their 11th child after her husband was killed, and raised that large family on her own.
“I think her legacy is the role she played in all of that and the grace with which she went on after she lost her husband and raised those kids,” said Gale Boonstra, visiting from Denver.
Ethel was considered a woman of strength whom people could relate to.
“She seemed very common, you know, she seemed just like one of the girls. She didn’t carry any airs about her,” Morella said.
As people stopped to remember Ethel, one said the reflection should serve as a reminder of civility.
“I just hope that this whole country can be somehow reunited back together, and strike the divisions out of where we’re at right now,” said Rod Hubert, a visitor from Kansas City, Mo.
This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.
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