Kara Kennedy (1960 - 2011)

Letters of condolence can be mailed to the Institute at 400 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110 and will be forwarded to the family. Flowers may be sent to the Gawler’s Funeral Home, Joseph Gawler's Sons, Inc., 5130 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, and donations to the Institute are being accepted in Kara's honor.

Statement of Lee Fentress, Chairman Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate

Posted September 17, 2011

"The Kennedy Institute Board and our entire community is deeply saddened by the news we received today about our friend, and a remarkably caring and thoughtful leader, Kara Kennedy. She inspired all of us with her indefatigable spirit; the courageous way in which she prevailed in her battle with lung cancer; and the deep commitment she exhibited to making her beloved father's vision a reality. She touched all our hearts with her generosity and kindness.

Today, we send our heartfelt condolences to her children, Grace and Max; her entire family; and all those who had the good fortune of calling her friend. In the months and years ahead, we will continue to draw inspiration from the example she set for all of us."

Statement of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate

Posted September 17, 2011

Kara Kennedy

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kara Kennedy. Kara was the daughter of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Joan Bennett Kennedy, and a Board member of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.

Kara suffered an apparent heart attack following her daily work out. She leaves her loving children, Grace and Max; her mother Joan; her brothers Ted, Jr. and Patrick; her step mother Victoria Reggie Kennedy; and her stepbrother and sister, Curran and Caroline Raclin.

Kara was a warm and caring person. Her children were the light and joy of her life. Her magnificent strength in her successful battle with lung cancer was a quiet inspiration to all us and provided her family and fellow patients with hope. Kara was loved and cherished by the entire Kennedy family.

Kara recently co-produced a film for the Edward M. Kennedy Institute which was shown at the Institute's inaugural gala and groundbreaking event. We will all greatly miss Kara's energy and commitment to the Institute and her generous spirit.

Kara was a filmmaker and television producer. She produced numerous videos and materials for Very Special Arts, an organization founded by her aunt Jean Kennedy Smith. Kara also served on the National Advisory Board of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and as a Director Emerita and National Trustee of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.