Two young sons are facing life without their mother. Kyle Kennedy, granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy, has died at 42, leaving behind a life shaped by devastating loss and determined service to others. As her family mourns and officials await answers about her death, her story reveals a mother and advocate who kept fighting through unimaginable pain and hear…

According to her obituary, Kyle died September 21 at her home in Westwood, Massachusetts.

The town clerk told PEOPLE that her cause of death remains pending.

The daughter of Michael Kennedy and Victoria Denise Gifford, she was 13 when her father died in a skiing accident.

After graduating from Georgetown, she taught through Teach For America and earned graduate degrees at Pace and Harvard. Her career centered on expanding opportunities for children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

A severe spinal cord injury in 2020 left Kyle with long-term paralysis.

She subsequently spoke out against discrimination in medical care, including testimony at the Massachusetts State House.

She also endured the death of her daughter, Josephine, shortly after birth. She is survived by sons Conor, 12, and Declan, 10, along with her mother, siblings and extended family. Her obituary honors a legacy grounded in education, advocacy and service to people facing barriers.