Shriver, JFK's sister and Special Olympics founder, dies

Posted to: Nation - World News Obituaries
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The Associated Press
© August 11, 2009

HYANNIS, Mass.

President John F. Kennedy's sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a champion for the rights of the mentally disabled and founder of the Special Olympics, has died. She was 88.

Shriver had suffered a series of strokes in recent years and died at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis this morning, her family said in a statement. The hospital is near the Kennedy family compound, where her sole surviving brother, Sen. Edward Kennedy, has been battling brain cancer.

Shriver was credited with transforming America's view of the mentally disabled from institutionalized patients to friends, neighbors and athletes. Her efforts were inspired by the struggles of her mentally disabled sister, Rosemary.

Shriver also was the sister of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, the wife of 1972 vice presidential candidate and former Peace Corps director R. Sargent Shriver, and the mother-in-law of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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Great Lady

Submitted by thebigd on Tue, 08/11/2009 at 8:27 am.

This lady accomplished great things during her lifetime. I'm sure she was a great mother and grandmother. I have great respect for her but none for her father Joe or her brothers. The family wealth is what made them able to gain fame and this was gained by Joe and his crooked ways. He was a common criminal making his fortune transporting illegal whiskey without paying taxes on it. He should have been imprisoned but instead, became a hero because of his wealth. Because of this, he was able to send his children to the finest schools and become famous when he made the statement that he wouldd spend all the money necessary to make his son president. With his money and the contacts he had, this came to be. From that point on, the Kennedy's could do no wrong. Even the remaining son, Senator Ted Kennedy should be in prison, but instead, he is worshiped because he is a Kennedy.

Gov

Submitted by speak on Tue, 08/11/2009 at 9:35 am.

Look how rich our Gov. is now because of the illegal whiskey it had to start somewhere and I give the credit to to all wiskey runners,the Gov. gives you no part of this money all they do is take your money for it and turn around and put you in jail for drinking it and take more money in court for it.I have seen Presidents and Gov. do worst with there money than any Kennedy has.I respect all Kennedys,and yes Eunice Kennedy Shriver did great things for us and we will never for get it she was a great lady but she would have no one put her family down.