Mary Richardson Kennedy
- RFK Jr's Second Wife -
Mary Kathleen Richardson Kennedy was an American architect and designer, recognized for her environmental advocacy and her marriage into the Kennedy family. Her life encompassed notable achievements, personal struggles, and a tragic end.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 4, 1959, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Mary was the daughter of James and Nancy Richardson. She was raised in a Catholic household alongside her five siblings. Mary attended The Putney School in Vermont, known for its progressive education model. She later pursued higher education at Brown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following her undergraduate studies, Mary attended the Rhode Island School of Design, reflecting her passion for architecture and design.
Career and Accomplishments:
Mary's professional journey was marked by a commitment to environmental sustainability. As an architect and designer, she was a pioneer in "green" architecture, focusing on eco-friendly building practices. Her work emphasized the integration of sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs, contributing to the broader movement of environmental consciousness in architecture.
She also remained involved in the art world and during her time living in SoHo, New York City, she became friends with artist Andy Warhol.​
Outside of her career Mary also co-founded the Food Allergy Initiative, the largest private fund for food allergy research in the United States. This was in response to her and RFK Jr’s first son Connor being afflicted with near fatal food allergies and helped cement Bobby’s awareness that the aluminum injected via vaccinations wasn’t only contributing to autism and related conditions but is also a major cause of the modern epidemic of food allergies.
Relationship With and Marriage to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Mary's life was deeply intertwined with the Kennedy family from a young age, primarily through her close friendship with Kerry Kennedy, RFK Jr.'s sister. Mary and Kerry became friends and roommates during their time at The Putney School in Vermont and later at Brown University. This enduring friendship eventually led to Mary meeting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.​
In 1993, Mary and Robert reconnected at an art gallery in New York City. This meeting rekindled their acquaintance, and they began a relationship that culminated in their marriage on April 15, 1994. The wedding took place aboard a research vessel on the Hudson River, symbolizing their shared commitment to environmental causes.
The couple had four children: Conor, Kyra, William Finbar (Finn), and Aidan.
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Mental Health Challenges
and Final Years
Throughout her life, Mary faced significant personal challenges. As an adolescent she had struggled with eating disorders and faced lifelong struggles with depression and substance abuse, issues that became more pronounced during the tumultuous later stages of her and Bobby’s marriage.
In 2010, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. filed for divorce, a period marked by increased personal difficulties for Mary. She was arrested for driving under the influence shortly after the divorce proceedings began, highlighting her ongoing struggles.
​Tragically, on May 16, 2012, Mary was found deceased at her home in Bedford, New York. The Westchester County Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a suicide by hanging. An autopsy revealed the presence of antidepressants in her system at the time of her death.
​Legacy
Mary Richardson Kennedy is remembered for her contributions to sustainable architecture and her dedication to environmental causes. Her life also underscores the critical importance of mental health awareness and the challenges associated with personal struggles. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of mental health and the need for compassion and support for those facing similar battles.