BOSTON (WWLP) - Ethel Kennedy, social justice and human rights advocate and the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, died at age 96 on Thursday. Kennedy was by R.F.K's side when he was assassinated in 19, and went on to raise their 11 children and found the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. She used her platform with the nonprofit and as a Kennedy to advocate for causes like gun control and immigration. Joe Kennedy III is a former Massachusetts congressman and Ethel Kennedy's grandson. He announced the death on X, saying his grandmother is leaving behind "a lifetime's work in social justice and human rights, and [his family is] comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy." Kennedy is predeceased by two of her sons, her daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Governor Healey also issued a statement about Kennedy's death. "[She] inspired us all with her resilience, compassion and faith. She was a passionate advocate for human rights and leaves behind a remarkable legacy of public service," said Governor Healey. Robert F. Kennedy Jr, is also in the national spotlight for his recent run for president before dropping out and endorsing Donald Trump. While other members of the Kennedy family have denounced his politics, Ethel Kennedy did not publicly comment. She remained active in politics up until her death, from the Earth Conservation Corps to the Special Olympics. Ethel Kennedy's non-profit continues to fight for human rights through litigation, advocacy, education, and inspiration. Local News Headlines American Red Cross and the Salvation Army need volunteers and donations to keep helping hurricane victims in Southeast Longmeadow dog inspires new Massachusetts law BizGrow conference offers free legal help to entrepreneurs O’Dell Center distributed 15,000 diapers to families in need WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.