Even after her 1983 divorce from Ted Kennedy, Joan remained devoted to the family’s legacy. She championed charitable causes, supported arts programs on Cape Cod, and was remembered by her community as warm, kind, and deeply engaged. “She was very kind and very interested in things,” recalled Wendy Northcross of the Kennedy Hyannis Museum.
Life continued to challenge her. The death of her daughter Kara in 2011 from a heart attack at 51 brought profound grief. In later years, Joan lived quietly under the care of guardians as her health declined. Despite these hardships, her legacy of grace, strength, and perseverance endured.
Her children remember her fondly. Patrick Kennedy described Joan as “a loving mother, an amazing musician, and a powerful example for those living with mental health and addiction struggles.” Boston Pops conductor John Williams praised her as “an accomplished pianist with an extraordinary knowledge of classical music.”
Joan Bennett Kennedy’s life was a story of resilience, dignity, and quiet courage — a woman who navigated the storms of one of America’s most scrutinized families while maintaining her gentle spirit. She is survived by her sons, Ted Kennedy Jr. and former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, her sister Candace McMurrey, several grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A funeral Mass will be held on October 15 in Boston, followed by a private burial — a final tribute to a life marked by endurance, love, and grace.
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