Mary Richardson Kennedy, previously known as Mary Kathleen Richardson, was an American interior designer, architect, and philanthropist recognized for her dedication to numerous social causes, including championing green building initiatives and raising awareness about food allergies.
The life of Mary Richardson Kennedy was marked by a tumultuous personal journey, notably including a widely covered divorce from her spouse, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and her tragic suicide in 2012. This piece aims to explore the story and impact of Mary Richardson Kennedy, spanning from her early years to her achievements, challenges, and addressing common inquiries about her life.
Quick Biography of Mary Richardson Kennedy
Born on October 4, 1959, in Bayonne, New Jersey, USA, Mary Richardson Kennedy, originally named Mary Kathleen Richardson, passed away at the age of 52. She held American nationality and was raised in a Catholic household. Her father, John F. Richardson, served as an attorney and a professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology, while her mother, Nancy Higgins, worked as a public school teacher. Mary grew up in a large family, with four sisters and two brothers, belonging to a White ethnic background.
Qualifications
Mary completed her education at The Putney School before earning a Bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Rhode Island School of Design. She further pursued a Master’s degree in architecture from Brown University, in collaboration with the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
Bio / Trivia
| Full Name | Mary Kathleen Richardson Kennedy |
| Birth Name | Mary Kathleen Richardson |
| Known As | Mary Richardson Kennedy |
| Birthdate | October 4, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Death Date | May 16, 2012 |
| Death Cause | Suicide |
| Died At | Bedford, New York, U.S. |
| Age (at the time of Death) | 52 years |
| Education | The Putney School Rhode Island School of Design Brown University |
| Father | John F. Richardson |
| Mother | Nancy Higgins |
| Siblings | 6 |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Nationality | American |
| Height (approx.) | 5’7″ |
| Weight (approx.) | 59 kg |
| Career | Interior Designer, Architect, and Philanthropist |
| Net Worth | $5 million (approx.) |
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Marriage and Family
Mary Richardson Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met during their employment at the Natural Resources Defense Council in the 1980s, leading to their marriage in 1994. They shared four children: Conor, Kyra LeMoyne, William Finbar, and Aidan Caohman Vieques. Despite their high-profile status, their marriage faced challenges, resulting in a highly publicized divorce in 2010, followed by legal disputes over custody of their children.
Children
Mary Richardson Kennedy’s four children pursued diverse paths in their professional lives. Conor Kennedy is known for his human rights activism and his connection to the Kennedy family. Kyra Kennedy found success as a fashion model and socialite, while Fin Kennedy established himself as a filmmaker. Aidan Kennedy is currently focusing on his studies.
Personal Information
| Wedding | 1994 |
| Husband | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. |
| Separation | 2010 |
| Son | Conor Richardson Kennedy William Finbar Kennedy |
| Daughter | Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy Aidan Caohman Vieques Kennedy |
Controversies and Tragedies
Mary Richardson Kennedy’s life was marked by sorrow and turmoil, especially highlighted by her separation from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 2010, which attracted significant media attention due to accusations of infidelity and substance misuse.
Cause of Death
In May 2012, Mary Richardson Kennedy was found dead at the family residence in Bedford, New York, having died by suicide. Her passing deeply affected her acquaintances, particularly her four children. Speculations regarding the causes of her death varied, including struggles with depression, substance misuse, and the strains of her marital separation and legal disputes.
Career
Mary Richardson Kennedy was renowned as a skilled interior designer, architect, and philanthropist, recognized for her commitment to sustainable building practices. She co-founded the Food Allergy Initiative and played a pivotal role in environmental activism, including co-founding the Bedford 2020 Coalition.
Philanthropy and Activism
Mary Richardson Kennedy was dedicated to philanthropy and social causes, co-founding the Food Allergy Initiative and serving as a board member of Riverkeeper. She actively participated in the anti-nuclear movement and advocated for environmental causes.
Income, Wealth, and Net Worth
Mary Richardson Kennedy’s income and wealth remain uncertain at the time of her death, with an estimated net worth of approximately $5 million. Her financial stability may have been impacted by her separation from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and subsequent legal disputes. After her passing, legal disputes over her estate concluded with her wealth being distributed among her children, with custody of the two youngest children granted to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.