Mary Richardson Kennedy, born Mary Kathleen Richardson, was an American interior designer, architect, and philanthropist who dedicated her life to various social causes. She was known for her advocacy of green building and her efforts to raise awareness about food allergies.
However, her life was also marked by a turbulent personal life, including a highly publicized divorce from her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and her tragic suicide in 2012. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Mary Richardson Kennedy, from her childhood to her achievements and struggles, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about her.
Contents
Mary Richardson Kennedy’s Quick Biography
Mary Richardson Kennedy was born on October 4, 1959, in Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S. Her birth name is Mary Kathleen Richardson and she was 52 years old at the time of death. She belonged to American nationality and she was raised in a Catholic family.

Her father John F. Richardson served as an attorney and he also worked as a professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology. As per the news, her dad passed away when she was 12. On the other hand, her mother Nancy Higgins works as a public school teacher. Mary grew up in a large family, she had six siblings, four sisters, and two brothers. Mary Kathleen was from a White ethnic background.
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Qualifications
She went to The Putney School from where she finished her schooling. After completing high school, Mary attended Rhode Island School of Design, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She later pursued a Master’s degree in architecture from Brown University at 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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| Wikipedia | Check Now |
| Homepage | Open This |
Marriage and Husband
Mary Richardson Kennedy met Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the 1980s while working for the Natural Resources Defense Council. The two married in 1994 and had four children together, Conor, Kyra LeMoyne, William Finbar, and Aidan Caohman Vieques.

The Kennedys were a prominent political family, and their marriage was often in the public eye. However, their relationship was not without its struggles. In 2010, Mary and Robert separated, and their divorce was highly publicized. The couple’s legal battle over custody of their children was also widely reported in the media.
Children
The couple had four children together: Conor, Kyra, Fin, and Aidan. They were known for their devotion to each other and their family. However, their marriage was not without its challenges. In 2010, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

Mary Richardson Kennedy’s four children have gone on to make their mark in various professions. Conor Kennedy, her eldest son, is a human rights activist and a member of the Kennedy family. Kyra Kennedy, her only daughter, is a fashion model and socialite. Fin Kennedy, her second son, is a filmmaker, and Aidan Kennedy, her youngest son, is a student.
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 tragedy and controversy. In 2010, she and her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced their separation after 16 years of marriage. The split was highly publicized and contentious, with both parties making allegations of infidelity and substance abuse.

Death Cause
In May 2012, Richardson Kennedy was found dead at the couple’s home in Bedford, New York. She had apparently died by suicide, hanging herself in a barn on the property. The death was a shock to those who knew her and was particularly devastating for her four children.
Following her death, there was much speculation about the reasons behind it. Some sources suggested that Richardson Kennedy had been struggling with depression and substance abuse, while others pointed to the stress of her separation from her husband and ongoing legal battles over the couple’s finances.
Mary Richardson Kennedy’s Career
Mary Richardson Kennedy was an accomplished interior designer, architect, and philanthropist. She was known for her dedication to green building and was a co-founder of the Food Allergy Initiative, the largest fund for food allergy research in the United States. However, her life was also marked by tragedy and controversy, particularly following her separation from her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and her untimely death at the age of 52.

Interior Design and Architecture Venture
Following her graduation, she worked as an interior designer for several prestigious firms, including Gensler and Associates, and later launched her own design business.
Richardson Kennedy was known for her commitment to sustainable design and green building practices. She was a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and was a LEED-accredited professional. She also co-founded the Bedford 2020 Coalition, which sought to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable living in the town of Bedford, New York.
In addition to her work in interior design, Richardson Kennedy was also a trained architect. She earned a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Virginia in 1984 and worked for several architecture firms early in her career.
Philanthropy and Activism
Mary Richardson Kennedy was deeply committed to philanthropy and social causes. She was a co-founder of the Food Allergy Initiative, a non-profit organization that funds research into food allergies and seeks to improve the lives of those who suffer from them. Richardson Kennedy was also a board member of the Riverkeeper organization, which works to protect the Hudson River and its surrounding communities.
Richardson Kennedy was also involved in the anti-nuclear movement, and in 1983 she participated in a march from New York City to Washington, D.C., in protest of nuclear weapons. She was a vocal advocate for environmental causes and was particularly concerned about the impact of global warming on the planet.
Income, Wealth, and Net Worth
It is unclear what Mary Richardson Kennedy’s income and wealth were at the time of her death. Mary’s estimated net worth was 5 million US dollars approximately. She was a successful interior designer and architect and had worked for several prestigious firms over the course of her career. She also co-founded the Food Allergy Initiative, which was a major philanthropic organization.
However, her separation from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and ongoing legal battles over their finances may have impacted her financial situation. At the time of their separation, there were reports that Richardson Kennedy was struggling financially and was in debt.
Following her death, there were further legal battles over her estate. In 2013, a judge ruled that Richardson Kennedy’s assets would be divided among her children and that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would have custody of the couple’s two youngest children.
FAQs
Who was Mary Richardson Kennedy?
Mary Richardson Kennedy was an American interior designer, architect, and philanthropist. She was also the wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent environmental lawyer, and activist.
How did Mary Richardson Kennedy die?
Mary Richardson Kennedy died of asphyxiation due to hanging. Her death was ruled a suicide.
Was Mary Richardson Kennedy buried in the Kennedy family plot?
Mary Richardson Kennedy was initially buried in the Kennedy family plot. However, her body was later exhumed and moved to a different location.
When did Mary Richardson Kennedy die?
Mary Richardson Kennedy died on May 16, 2012, at the age of 52.
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