Eunice Kennedy Shriver died early this morning

Source: Reuters

BOSTON (Reuters) - Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who founded the Special Olympics and is a member of one of the most prominent American political families of the 20th century, died on Tuesday at the age of 88.

Her family said in a statement that Shriver, had died after she was hospitalized in Hyannis, the Massachusetts town on Cape Cod synonymous with the Kennedy dynasty.

"Her work transformed the lives of hundreds of millions of people across the globe and they in turn are her living legacy," the family said referring to her work with the disabled.

She is survived by her husband, Sargent Shriver.

Shriver was the middle child of nine born to Joseph P. Kennedy and his wife, Rose.

Her siblings include John F. Kennedy, who was elected president in 1960 and assassinated in 1963, Robert, a New York senator whose presidential bid ended when he was assassinated in 1968, and Senator Edward Kennedy.

Edward Kennedy, battling brain cancer diagnosed in May 2008, is considered a lion of the Democratic Party because of his decades-long fight for liberal causes that include healthcare reform.

Shriver's children include Maria, a former television journalist who married California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Shriver started the Special Olympics Games in 1968 to foster fitness and self-esteem for those with mental retardation and advocated in Washington for her cause well into her eighties. The event has grown to include 190 nations.



Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE57A24L20090811

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Pope Benedict XVI offered his prayers to the Kennedy and Shriver families yesterday.

Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the pope's representative in the United States, said, "It is the Holy Father's fervent prayer that the good Lord, who is never outdone in generosity, will grant this woman of ardent faith and generous public service the reward of her many labors, particularly on behalf of those who are physically and mentally challenged."


May her family and loved ones find peace.

Her work with special needs populations was very classy.

to support JFK's campaigns.

Born at the Wrong Time.

She raised a large family, had a stable marriage, supported her brothers in their endeavors, and established a foundation to help the disadvantaged.

That's a mighty big tea party! Thanks, Ms. Eunice!

she kept at them about help for the developmentally challenged, Civil Rights and several other social issues.

Oh and just a correction, Eunice is Maria Shriver's mother, not Robert Jr. - that's Ethel.

Eunice was the sister of JFK and RFK.

Gotta give him some dap on this one.

RIP Mrs. Shriver. You have performed great service. :patriot:

She made other lives better.

I once read some letters written around the time of the Civil War. In one of them a parent prayed that when their child died, the community would be glad they had lived.

Eunice Shriver accomplished that.

How much more can we ask than that?

that was considered. Sad it didn't.

her NEPHEW, RFK Jr.

Lousy 'story' here: http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/08/11/us/news-usa-shriver.html

She was instrumental in the founding of the Special Olympics. The Shrivers did so much for special needs children & adults. A true activist of the heart.

condolences and supportive thoughts going out to the family

are so inclined, prayers as well.

Poor Ted has to do yet another eulogy.

A life well lived, Ms. Shriver. You used your sadness over your sister to bless so many. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary_Kennedy

:cry: Teddy, Eunice, all of the grandchildren who are in public service, truly understood and lived the motto "of those whom much is given, much is expected". They could all have been comfortable jet-setting country clubbers like the Bush family, but instead they're all involved, sleeves rolled up, working with 'the rest of us'.

Goddess Bless 'Em. O8)

What a wonderful woman with an impressive legacy. She will be missed.

My sympathies for the survivors.

I was a marshal, helping direct cyclists to the Kennedy compound in Hyannisport when she walked up to me and asked, "How are you?", I said, "I'm fine, and you?" and she responded, "I'm fine too, what's your name?" (I told her my name, which is an Irish one, and we had a short conversation about us being Irish Americans).

It was one of the really special moments of my life as I'm a big fan of JFK and I met his sister!

peace to her family
Bigg

And, don't we all seem to be friends.

Having worked in the disabilities field all across the same years, I know that she literally changed the lives of many, many people.

RIP

Condolences to the Family.

All us autistic DUers will miss you. :cry:

And Teddy keeps chugging along, I hope for many years to come.

She showed us how to live.

She was a terrific woman. I always admired her.

she lived a long, happy, and fulfilled life. While I may not have approved of her anti-choice position, her endless work with the mentally disabled, child health care, and other humanitarian work pretty much eclipses that. At least, unlike most of the anti-choicers out there, she actually gave a damn on what happened after a child was born. Rest in Peace Mrs. Kennedy. O8)

What a great lady she was. RIP. Eunice had a brilliant smile too.

Condolences to the family.

absolutely for choice

Special Olympics has been a wonderful part of my nephew's life. I would give that organization my last nickel.

Eunice was truly one of the good guys.

Your work helped thousands of disabled children
and adults.
You made a difference here on Earth.

My condolences to Maria Shriver and the Kennedy
family.

and long live Teddy Kennedy:grouphug:

RIP, and thank you for simply doing what others use for their own gains.

Say what you will, the Kennedys have been a stunningly powerful influence for good on this earth.

She gave as much as she got.

:-(

Peace to your loved ones.

woman who cared deeply and left this world a better place, an uncommon woman.

Thank you Eunice. Say hello to Jack and Bobby for us, too.

Some regret she never held political office, I think she proved that you ddon't need political office to change the world.

You added much to our world.

service on behalf of the disadvantaged. The world is a better place because of your work.

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

Condolences to the Kennedy and Shriver families, both of whom have given so much.

A truly wonderful woman, a great human being.

LOVE that!

My condolences to the family.

Rest in peace.......

:(

A wonderful human being.

Sonia

n/t

Your legacy lives on in every Special Olympian.

You were a true inspiration. Congratulations on a wonderful life.

A great American who did much for the disabled. :patriot:

O8)

You left us with a great legacy, safe passage.

Too bad your son in law Arnold never learned a damn thing from you.