Caroline Kennedy and the Enduring Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
In remembrance of a remarkable life, we revisit the deeply moving memorial service held for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a First Lady who captivated the world. On May 23, 1994, the nation mourned as Jackie Onassis was laid to rest following a courageous, yet brief, battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She passed away on May 19th, at the age of 64, in her New York City apartment.
Her passing wasn’t merely a family tragedy for her children, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg and John F. Kennedy Jr.; it was a moment of collective grief for a figure who defined an era. The funeral service, held at St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church in New York City, drew international attention, bringing together family, friends, and prominent political figures.
A Family’s Farewell
As JFK Jr. reflected in the New York Times, the family grappled with finding the appropriate tone for their farewell. They ultimately chose a service that celebrated the qualities that embodied Jackie’s spirit: “her love of words, the bonds of home and family and her spirit of adventure.” Present at the solemn occasion were Caroline Kennedy, her husband Edwin Schlossberg, and Jackie’s close companion, Maurice Tempelsman, as Jackie’s coffin was prepared for the final journey.
A Meaningful Location and Poignant Readings
St. Ignatius Loyola held a special significance for Jackie, as it was where she was both baptized and confirmed as a teenager. The service featured heartfelt readings from loved ones. Caroline Kennedy beautifully recited “Memory of Cape Cod” by Edna St. Vincent Millay, a poem cherished by her mother. Maurice Tempelsman shared C.P. Cavafy’s “Ithaka,” adding a personal tribute: “And now the journey is over, too short, alas, too short. It was filled with adventure and wisdom, laughter and love, gallantry and grace. So farewell, farewell.”
National Mourning and Presidential Eulogy
Then-First Lady Hillary Clinton attended the New York mass, later joining President Bill Clinton for the procession from the airport in Washington D.C. to Arlington National Cemetery. President Clinton delivered a moving eulogy, describing Jackie as a “remarkable woman whose life will forever glow in the lives of her fellow Americans.”
As she was laid to rest beside President John F. Kennedy, Clinton added, “May the flame she lit so long ago burn ever brighter here and always brighter in our hearts. God bless you friend, and farewell.” The graveside service, led by Rev. Philip J. Hannan, who also officiated at JFK’s funeral in 1963, included readings by John Jr. (Thessalonians 4:13-18) and Caroline Kennedy (Psalm 121). The Navy Sea Chanters performed “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” a tribute to JFK’s naval service.
A Final Resting Place and Lasting Legacy
Jackie Kennedy Onassis became only the second First Lady to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, following Helen Taft. Her legacy continues to inspire, and her memory is kept alive through the stories and reflections of those who knew and admired her, including her daughter, Caroline Kennedy, who continues to champion her mother’s values and spirit.
Learn more about the Kennedy family: Britannica – Kennedy Family
Further Reading: Town & Country – Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s Life in Pictures
