Rose (Fitzgerald) Kennedy (1890-1995)
Papal Countess Rose Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) Kennedy
She was the matriarch of America's most prominent political dynasty. She married Joseph P. Kennedy in 1914 at age 24, and together they had nine children between 1915-1932. As a devoted Catholic mother, Rose dedicated herself to raising her children with competitive ambition and strong values. She meticulously managed family life while her husband built his business empire, establishing their lasting base at the Kennedy Compound on Cape Cod. Despite enduring tremendous personal tragedies, she witnessed extraordinary political success. She saw three of her sons - Robert, John and Ted - elected to public office, with two killed by assassins. Her son John became the 35th President of the United States. She was well known for her philanthropic efforts and remained physically active well into her 80s. In 1951, in recognition of her "exemplary motherhood and many charitable works" Pope Pius XII made her a Papal Countess - becoming only the sixth woman from the United States to earn this papal title. At age 90, she famously led the Grandparents' Parade at the Special Olympics. She lived to be 104-years old, passing away in January 1995, remembered as the formidable force behind America's most famous political family. Throughout her long life, she embodied resilience, faith, and unwavering dedication to her family's success and service to the nation.
