Remembering Rose Kennedy

Today we remember our namesake, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, who would have been celebrating her 127th birthday. The Greenway parks were named after Rose, who was born and raised in Boston, as a way to honor the many accomplishments of her life.

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy was born on July 22, 1890 in the North End. She is remembered nationally and internationally as an author, activist, philanthropist and the matriarch of the Kennedy family. She was the mother of accomplished children, including President John F. Kennedy, US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, US Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, Eunice K. Shriver, Founder of the Special Olympics, and Massachusetts Senator Edward “Ted” M. Kennedy. Rose Kennedy encouraged her children to lead active lives, to study and to contribute to society in every possible way. She inspired their interest in history, politics, geography, arts, and culture.

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy is a beloved Boston icon for her charity, character, and spirit. Her legacy lives on with the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway – a space in Boston that links the city’s rich historical past with a bold vision for the future.

The Greenway carries her name and reflects on her belief that the beauty and nature inherent in urban green spaces helps build our sense of shared community for generations to come. Today, you can celebrate her legacy by visiting our parks or by making a gift to The Greenway in honor of her philanthropic spirit and in support of such an important civic space.