Kyle Kennedy, a granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy whose career centered on education and disability rights, has died at 42. She died Sept. 21 at her home in Massachusetts, according to an obituary published by Burke Funeral Homes.

Kennedy was the daughter of Michael Kennedy and Victoria Gifford Kennedy. Her cause of death remained pending, People reported.

Born in Washington, D.C., on July 6, 1984, Kennedy spent much of her childhood in Cohasset, Massachusetts. She later attended Milton Academy before pursuing her university studies.

Kennedy earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Georgetown University. Her education continued with two graduate degrees that prepared her for a career focused on schools, educators and young children.

She received a master of science in early education from Pace University. Kennedy also earned a master of education in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Her professional life began with Teach for America, where she taught for two years in New York City public schools. According to her obituary, the experience inspired a lifelong commitment to early childhood education and education reform.

Kennedy went on to advocate for equitable elementary education and charter schools. Her work kept her closely involved with efforts to improve learning opportunities and educational practices.

She also collaborated with education technology companies on curriculum improvement. In another role, she served as an instructional coach for educators working in primary schools.

Beyond her academic and professional accomplishments, Kennedy was an avid athlete and long distance runner. She completed the Boston Marathon in 2019, marking a major personal athletic achievement.

Kennedy’s life changed dramatically in 2020 when she suffered a severe spinal cord injury. The injury caused long term paralysis and brought significant health obstacles.

After the injury, she turned part of her attention toward disability rights advocacy. Her work included testifying at the Massachusetts State House about healthcare discrimination affecting people living with disabilities.

Kennedy also appeared at events connected with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. She spoke onstage during the organization’s Ripple of Hope Awards in New York City on Dec. 12, 2018.

She had also attended the Ripple of Hope Awards Dinner at the New York Hilton on Dec. 11, 2013. Others photographed at that event included Robert Kennedy Jr., Ethel Kennedy and Kerry Kennedy.

Her death follows earlier losses within her immediate family. Kennedy was preceded in death by her father, Michael, who died in 1997, and by her infant daughter, Josie.

Kennedy is survived by her two sons, Conor, 12, and Declan, 10. She is also survived by her ex husband, Liam, and her mother, Victoria.

Victoria is the daughter of Frank Gifford and Maxine Avis Ewart and the stepdaughter of Kathie Lee Gifford. Kennedy’s surviving family also includes her brother, Michael, and his family, as well as her sister, Rory, and her family.

Across her career, Kennedy moved from classroom teaching into education advocacy, curriculum improvement and instructional coaching. Following the spinal cord injury that caused paralysis, she also brought attention to discrimination against people living with disabilities.

Her obituary presents a life shaped by education, athletic determination and advocacy amid profound health challenges. From teaching in New York City schools to testifying at the Massachusetts State House, Kennedy’s work remained focused on the needs and rights of others.