Who was Ethel Skakel? Ethel Skakel was a prominent American socialite and philanthropist, known for her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy, the son of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy.
Ethel Skakel was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 11, 1928. She was the daughter of George Skakel, a wealthy businessman, and Ann Brannack Skakel. Ethel Skakel attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, Connecticut, and later studied at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York.
In 1950, Ethel Skakel married Robert F. Kennedy. The couple had eleven children, including Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Joseph P. Kennedy II, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Ethel Skakel was a devoted wife and mother, and she was also active in a number of charitable organizations.
Ethel Skakel died in 2011 at the age of 83. She is remembered as a kind and compassionate woman who made a significant contribution to her community.
Ethel Skakel
Ethel Skakel, the wife of Robert F. Kennedy, was a prominent socialite and philanthropist known for her dedication to charitable causes and her large family.
- Socialite: Ethel Skakel was a prominent figure in New York society, known for her elegance and grace.
- Philanthropist: Ethel Skakel was actively involved in a number of charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Special Olympics.
- Wife: Ethel Skakel was married to Robert F. Kennedy for 42 years, until his assassination in 1968.
- Mother: Ethel Skakel and Robert F. Kennedy had eleven children, including Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Joseph P. Kennedy II, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Catholic: Ethel Skakel was a devout Catholic, and her faith was an important part of her life.
- Activist: Ethel Skakel was an advocate for social justice and human rights, and she often spoke out on behalf of the poor and disadvantaged.
Ethel Skakel was a complex and fascinating woman who made a significant contribution to her community and to the world. She was a role model for women everywhere, and her legacy continues to inspire others to make a difference.
| Name | Birth Date | Birth Place | Death Date | Death Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethel Skakel Kennedy | April 11, 1928 | Chicago, Illinois | May 11, 2011 | New York City, New York |
Socialite
Ethel Skakel was born into a wealthy and prominent family, and she was raised in a world of privilege. She was educated at exclusive schools and was introduced to high society at a young age. Ethel Skakel was a beautiful and charming woman, and she quickly became a fixture on the New York social scene.
Ethel Skakel's social status gave her a platform to promote her charitable work. She was a strong advocate for the poor and disadvantaged, and she often used her influence to raise money for various causes. Ethel Skakel was also a devoted wife and mother, and she was known for her kindness and compassion.
Ethel Skakel's socialite status was an important part of her identity. It gave her access to the resources and connections she needed to make a difference in the world. Ethel Skakel used her platform to promote her charitable work and to advocate for social justice. She was a role model for women everywhere, and her legacy continues to inspire others to make a difference.
Philanthropist
Ethel Skakel was a lifelong philanthropist who was dedicated to helping others. She was actively involved in a number of charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Special Olympics.
- Support for the Underprivileged: Ethel Skakel was a strong advocate for the poor and disadvantaged. She believed that everyone deserved a chance to succeed, and she worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for those who were less fortunate. Through her work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Ethel Skakel helped to provide a safe and supportive environment for children and teens from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Advocacy for People with Disabilities: Ethel Skakel was also a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. She believed that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their abilities. Through her work with the Special Olympics, Ethel Skakel helped to break down barriers and create opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports and other activities.
- Role Model and Inspiration: Ethel Skakel's philanthropic work was an inspiration to others. She showed that one person can make a difference in the world. Her example continues to inspire others to get involved in their communities and to help those in need.
Ethel Skakel's philanthropic work was an important part of her life. She was a compassionate and caring woman who was dedicated to making a difference in the world. Her legacy continues to inspire others to get involved in their communities and to help those in need.
Wife
Ethel Skakel's marriage to Robert F. Kennedy was a significant part of her life. The couple was married for 42 years, and they had eleven children together. Ethel Skakel was a devoted wife and mother, and she was also a strong supporter of her husband's political career.
- Marriage and Family: Ethel Skakel and Robert F. Kennedy had a long and happy marriage. They were a devoted couple, and they raised a large family together. Ethel Skakel was a loving and supportive wife, and she was always there for her husband.
- Political Support: Ethel Skakel was a strong supporter of her husband's political career. She campaigned for him during his presidential run, and she was always there to offer him advice and support. Ethel Skakel was a valuable asset to her husband's political career, and she played an important role in his success.
- Personal Life: Ethel Skakel was a private person, but she was also a devoted wife and mother. She loved spending time with her family, and she was always there for her children. Ethel Skakel was a loving and supportive wife and mother, and she was the heart of her family.
Ethel Skakel's marriage to Robert F. Kennedy was a significant part of her life. She was a devoted wife and mother, and she was also a strong supporter of her husband's political career. Ethel Skakel was a remarkable woman, and her legacy continues to inspire others.
Mother
Ethel Skakel's role as a mother was central to her identity. She was a devoted and loving mother to her eleven children, and she was always there for them.
Ethel Skakel's children have all gone on to successful careers in their own right. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is a former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland. Joseph P. Kennedy II is a former U.S. Representative from Massachusetts. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an environmental activist and author.
Ethel Skakel's children are a testament to her love and dedication as a mother. She raised them to be compassionate and caring individuals, and she instilled in them a strong sense of social justice.
Ethel Skakel's legacy as a mother will continue to inspire generations to come. She was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to her family and to the world.
Catholic
Ethel Skakel was a devout Catholic, and her faith was an important part of her life. She attended Mass regularly, and she was involved in a number of Catholic organizations. Her faith gave her strength and guidance, and it helped her to cope with the challenges of her life.
Ethel Skakel's faith was evident in her actions. She was a compassionate and caring person, and she always put the needs of others before her own. She was a strong advocate for social justice, and she worked tirelessly to help the poor and disadvantaged.
Ethel Skakel's faith was an important part of her identity, and it shaped her life in many ways. It gave her strength and guidance, and it inspired her to make a difference in the world.
Activist
Ethel Skakel was a lifelong activist who was dedicated to fighting for social justice and human rights. She was a strong advocate for the poor and disadvantaged, and she often spoke out on their behalf.
- Civil Rights: Ethel Skakel was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement, and she worked to promote racial equality. She marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, and she spoke out against segregation and discrimination.
- Women's Rights: Ethel Skakel was also a strong advocate for women's rights. She was a member of the National Organization for Women (NOW), and she worked to promote equal rights for women. She spoke out against sexism and discrimination, and she fought for women's right to vote, to hold public office, and to have equal opportunities in education and employment.
- Economic Justice: Ethel Skakel was also a strong advocate for economic justice. She believed that everyone deserved a fair chance to succeed, and she worked to promote economic equality. She spoke out against poverty and inequality, and she supported policies that would help to create a more just and equitable society.
Ethel Skakel's activism was an important part of her life. She was a compassionate and caring person who was dedicated to making a difference in the world. She spoke out for those who did not have a voice, and she fought for justice and equality for all.
FAQs about Ethel Skakel
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Ethel Skakel, her life, and her work.
Question 1: Who was Ethel Skakel?
Ethel Skakel was a prominent American socialite and philanthropist. She was the wife of Robert F. Kennedy and the mother of eleven children, including Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Joseph P. Kennedy II, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Question 2: What was Ethel Skakel's role in her husband's political career?
Ethel Skakel was a strong supporter of her husband's political career. She campaigned for him during his presidential run and was always there to offer him advice and support.
Question 3: What were Ethel Skakel's philanthropic interests?
Ethel Skakel was actively involved in a number of charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Special Olympics. She was a strong advocate for the poor and disadvantaged, and she often spoke out on their behalf.
Question 4: What was Ethel Skakel's faith?
Ethel Skakel was a devout Catholic, and her faith was an important part of her life. She attended Mass regularly and was involved in a number of Catholic organizations.
Question 5: What was Ethel Skakel's legacy?
Ethel Skakel was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to her family and to the world. She was a devoted wife and mother, a strong advocate for social justice, and a generous philanthropist. Her legacy continues to inspire others to make a difference in the world.
Summary: Ethel Skakel was a complex and fascinating woman who lived a life of service and dedication. She was a role model for women everywhere, and her legacy continues to inspire others to make a difference in the world.
Transition to the next article section: Ethel Skakel's life and work are a testament to the power of one person to make a difference in the world. She was a woman of great compassion and determination, and her legacy will continue to inspire others for generations to come.
Conclusion
Ethel Skakel was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to her family and to the world. She was a devoted wife and mother, a strong advocate for social justice, and a generous philanthropist.
Ethel Skakel's legacy is one of service and dedication. She showed us that one person can make a difference in the world. Her example continues to inspire others to get involved in their communities and to make a difference in the lives of others.
