**Kennedy Family Gathers in Centerville to Mourn Ethel Kennedy**

In Centerville, Massachusetts, the Kennedy family assembled on Monday to pay their final respects to Ethel Kennedy, widow of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Ethel, who passed away on Thursday at age 96, was commemorated at a private funeral service held at Our Lady of Victory, located roughly 28 miles from Boston.

Ethel Kennedy, known for her dedication to social causes and her family, died following complications from a stroke she suffered earlier in the month. She leaves behind a profound legacy through her nine surviving children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In a statement, her family noted, "Along with a lifetime's work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren and 24 great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly."

President Joe Biden honored her memory, describing Ethel Kennedy as "an American icon - a matriarch of optimism and moral courage, an emblem of resilience and service."

Ethel, who married Robert F. Kennedy in 1950, endured immense personal tragedy, including the assassination of her husband. Despite these challenges, she dedicated her life to social activism. Soon after her husband's death, she established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and continued to champion causes such as gun control and human rights throughout her life.

Her family reported that she recently had the opportunity to enjoy time with many of her relatives before her health declined. Ethel's passing marks the end of an era, as she was one of the last remaining members of a storied family generation that included President John F. Kennedy.