Kyle Francis Kennedy, an educator and granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy, died last month after suffering a severe spinal cord injury that resulted in long term paralysis and years of medical issues, a Massachusetts funeral home said.

She was 42.

Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE WATCH HERE

Kennedy  passed away peacefully  on Sept. 21  at her home in Westwood, Massachusetts,  according to an obituary by Burke Funeral Homes. Her cause of death was not announced.

She  built a career devoted to early childhood education,  the obituary said.

 Blessed with a formidable intellect, dry wit, and beauty, she will be remembered for her devotion to her children Conor, Josephine, and Declan, and her support for educational reform for disadvantaged children and for people living with disabilities. 

Kennedy grew up in Cohasset, Massachusetts, and attended the prestigious Milton Academy before matriculating to Georgetown University.

She spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, which  left a lasting mark  and led to her  deep love of Tuscan Renaissance art and a lifelong talent for making pasta dishes from scratch,  the obituary said.

She earned a master's degree in early education from Pace University and another master's in education policy from Harvard.

Kennedy spent two years in the Teach for America program, working in New York City public school system in  an experience that launched a career in education,  according to her obituary.

 She went on to become a passionate advocate for more equitable elementary education and charter schooling, later working with technology companies focused on reforming and improving school curricula, and as a coach for educators working with young students,  the obituary said.

Kennedy was the daughter of Michael LeMoyne Kennedy, the sixth oldest child of RFK and Ethel Kennedy.

Michael LeMoyne Kennedy was just 39 when he was fatally injured on Dec. 31, 1997, in Colorado, slamming into a tree while playing ski-football on an icy Aspen slope.

Like many in her famed family, Kennedy was fond of the outdoors and sports. She ran in the
#nbcchicago   #crimewatchchicago