'More Kennedy than any of the Kennedys.' Cape Cod responds to Ethel Kennedy's death.

At the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum , a delivery of white roses arrived Thursday afternoon in homage to Kennedy family matriarch Ethel Kennedy , who died earlier in the day.

“She was more Kennedy than any of the Kennedys . Joe Kennedy Sr. recognized that and adored her for it,” said Larry Tye, author of “Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon.”

The white roses, Ethel 's favorite, according to museum Executive Director Wendy Northcross , were put on display in the museum's lobby, along with a condolences book, in expectation of an influx of visitors wanting to express their sorrow and share their thoughts that one of the last family members of John F. Kennedy's Camelot is gone.

"Over the years, the museum has been an outlet for people that want to leave their thoughts and condolences for the family," said Northcross, who had already been getting inquiries about Ethel's wellbeing even before her death was announced Thursday morning.

The oldest living member of one of Massachusetts' most prominent political families, Kennedy suffered a stroke last week. Her grandson, former U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, announced the news in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday.

'Hearts full of love'

"It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy," he wrote. "She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week. Along with a lifetime's work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly."

He continued, "she was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant, and we are comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy; her children David and Michael; her daughter-in-law Mary; her grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse; and her great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie."

Kennedy was 96 years old, the oldest member of the Kennedy family at the time of her death. She was born on April 11, 1928. She died on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Richard Neitz, owner of Neitz Real Estate in Yarmouth, said he encountered Ethel Kennedy many times over the years.

“Ethel was always leader of the pack and an instigator,” he said.

She loved to sail in any weather, said Neitz, a fellow sailor, going out as recently as this past summer on one of the family boats, Glide.

“Every time I called her Mrs. Kennedy, she told me to call her Ethel,” Neitz said Thursday. “She was always smart and witty, and she always liked to have a lot of people around.”

Lynne Poyant, chairman of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Trust Committee and the JFK Hyannis Museum trustees, said she would see Ethel Kennedy occasionally at functions.

“She was usually at the museum in support of one of her children speaking or a friend giving an author talk,” Poyant said. “There were often so many people vying for her attention. I think she was cordial and kind, acknowledging that people were there and they were acknowledging her as well.”

Poyant was executive director of the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce from 1996 to 2005 when it oversaw the JFK Hyannis Museum. Recalling John F. Kennedy Jr.’s death, Poyant said she was impressed at Ethel Kennedy’s composure.

“When you think of the tragedies she’s had in her life – losing a husband and children and grandchildren ... But I read somewhere that she lives in the moment and is grounded in her faith and I guess that’s what kept her going."

Family ties for Ethel Kennedy

Ethel Kennedy was married to former United States Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. He was fatally shot in 1968 during his campaign for the presidency . Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy were married for more than 17 years. He died less than two weeks before their 18th wedding anniversary. She never remarried. The couple had 11 children together.

Several of their children pursued careers in politics — their oldest child, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, was the first female lieutenant governor of Maryland, and their son, Joseph Kennedy II, was a Massachusetts state representative.

Most recently, Ethel Kennedy's son Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president in 2024, before dropping out of the race and endorsing former President Donald Trump in August.

(A video that appears with this story was updated to correct an inaccuracy.)

Staff writer Gwenn Friss contributed to this story.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: 'More Kennedy than any of the Kennedys.' Cape Cod responds to Ethel Kennedy's death.