Kyle Kennedy, Granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy, Dies at 42

Kyle Kennedy, the granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy, died at her home in Westwood, Massachusetts, at the age of 42. Her death occurred on September 21, according to an obituary published by Burke Funeral Homes.

Kennedy had struggled with numerous health issues in recent years following a severe spinal cord injury in 2020 that resulted in long-term paralysis, medical challenges, and disability.

Born on July 6, 1984, in Cohasset, Massachusetts, Kennedy grew up in Cohasset, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late Michael L. Kennedy—who died in a 1997 skiing accident in Aspen, Colorado—and Victoria Denise Gifford. Kennedy was one of the 34 grandchildren of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy.

Kennedy Studied History and Focused on Educational Reform

After graduating from Milton Academy with top honors in Latin scholarship, Kennedy earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Georgetown University. She subsequently began her teaching career with Teach For America in New York City, working in the public school system. She went on to earn a Master of Science in early childhood education from Pace University and a Master of Education in education policy and management from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

Her professional life centered on educational reform. She worked with technology companies focused on improving school curricula and served as a coach for educators working with young students, advocating for equitable elementary education and charter schooling. Following her 2020 spinal cord injury, Kennedy shifted a portion of her public focus toward disability advocacy. She spoke out about challenges facing the disability community and testified at the Massachusetts State House during a hearing addressing discrimination in healthcare against people with disabilities.

Her obituary reflected on these later years: “The years that followed brought struggles, but Kyle fought to maintain her dry wit and determination through it all, trying to be the best possible mother to her sons and caring for her two beloved, ill-behaved Wheaten terriers.” An avid runner, she completed the Boston Marathon in 2019, finishing 20 minutes faster than her father’s recorded time.

Kennedy Is Survived by Her Mother, Siblings and Sons

Kennedy was married to Liam Kerr in 2012, and the obituary identifies Kerr as her former husband. The couple welcomed three children: twins Conor and Josie, and later a younger son, Declan. Their daughter Josie tragically died just days after birth. Kennedy is survived by her sons Conor and Declan, 10; her mother, Victoria; her brother, Michael; and her sister, Rory.

Burke Funeral Homes handled the arrangements, and funeral services were kept private.