New York -- The Kennedy family gathered in Manhattan on Monday for a private funeral service honoring Tatiana Schlossberg, the 35-year-old journalist and granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, who passed away from leukemia on December 30.
The somber event took place at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, a historic Upper East Side parish that holds deep significance for the Kennedy clan. It was at this very church that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's funeral was held in 1994, drawing parallels to the enduring legacy of the family. According to reports from the New York Post, Tatiana's parents, Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, were joined by her siblings, Jack and Rose, as well as cousins Kerry Kennedy and Joe Kennedy III, among the mourners entering the church.
Tatiana, known for her work as an environmental journalist, leaves behind her husband, George Moran, and their two young children, Edwin and Josephine. The JFK Library Foundation shared a poignant photograph on social media capturing Tatiana smiling outdoors with her family, a moment of joy amid the grief. The caption accompanying the image read, "As we remember Tatiana and celebrate her life, our hearts are with her family and all who loved her."
The service drew a mix of family, friends, and notable figures from New York's cultural scene. People magazine reported that comedian David Letterman and fashion designer Carolina Herrera were among those in attendance, underscoring Tatiana's connections beyond the political dynasty. Letterman, a longtime late-night host whose show often touched on New York life, and Herrera, a staple in the city's fashion world, added a layer of celebrity to the otherwise intimate gathering.
Caroline Kennedy, Tatiana's mother and the only living child of John F. Kennedy, has long maintained a relatively private life compared to her family's storied public history. Appointed as U.S. ambassador to Australia in 2022 by President Joe Biden, Caroline has carried forward the Kennedy tradition of public service while shielding her family from intense scrutiny. Edwin Schlossberg, a designer and artist, has been her partner since their marriage in 1986, and together they raised Tatiana alongside her brother Jack, now 31, and sister Rose, 28, in a blend of intellectual and artistic pursuits.
The Kennedy cousins present at the funeral represent different branches of the expansive family tree. Joe Kennedy III, son of former U.S. Representative Joe Kennedy II, recently lost a bid for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts but remains active in Democratic politics. Kerry Kennedy, a human rights advocate and the seventh child of Robert F. Kennedy, founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, continuing the family's commitment to social causes.
Tatiana's death at such a young age has reverberated through the Kennedy circles, where health challenges and tragedies have unfortunately marked the family's narrative. From the assassinations of John F. Kennedy in 1963 and Robert F. Kennedy in 1968 to more recent losses like that of Saoirse Kennedy Hill in 2019, the Kennedys have endured profound sorrows. Leukemia, the cancer that claimed Tatiana, is a disease that strikes without warning, and her battle with it was reportedly kept private until after her passing.
As a journalist, Tatiana focused on climate change and environmental issues, contributing to outlets like The New York Times and authoring the book "Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact of What We Buy" in 2019. Her work highlighted the hidden ecological costs of everyday products, aligning with the Kennedy ethos of using one's platform for greater good. Friends and colleagues have remembered her for her sharp intellect and dedication, though specific tributes from the funeral remain private given the event's closed nature.
The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, founded in 1882, has long been a spiritual home for prominent New York families. Its Gothic Revival architecture and role in high-profile services make it a fitting venue for the Kennedys. Jacqueline Kennedy's 1994 funeral there drew global attention, with her simple wooden casket and the attendance of world leaders underscoring her iconic status. Tatiana's service, while private, echoed that sense of dignity and restraint.
Reports from United Press International, which first covered the funeral on January 6, emphasized the family's unity in mourning. The New York Post's eyewitness accounts provided glimpses of the arrivals, noting the subdued atmosphere as limousines pulled up to the church on Park Avenue. People.com's coverage added details on the celebrity attendees, painting a picture of a service that bridged personal loss with public admiration.
Beyond the immediate family, Tatiana's passing prompts reflection on the next generation of Kennedys. Jack Schlossberg, her brother, has gained attention for his social media presence and advocacy on issues like climate action, much like his sister. Rose Schlossberg, the youngest, has pursued interests in film and environmentalism, studying at New York University. Their presence at the funeral signals the continuation of family bonds forged through shared history.
The JFK Library in Boston, which released the family photo, serves as a repository of the Kennedy legacy, from John F. Kennedy's presidency to the cultural impact of the family. The foundation's statement captures a sentiment echoed in private remarks from attendees: a focus on celebrating Tatiana's life rather than dwelling solely on the loss. As one family friend told reporters outside the church, "She brought light to everyone around her," though names were not disclosed to respect the privacy.
In the broader context, Tatiana's death highlights ongoing challenges with leukemia, which affects about 60,000 Americans annually according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Research advancements have improved survival rates, but for younger patients like Tatiana, the disease remains aggressive. Her family's resources likely afforded top medical care, yet it was not enough, a reminder of the unpredictability of such illnesses.
Looking ahead, the Kennedy family will likely observe a period of quiet mourning. Caroline Kennedy's public role may see her stepping back temporarily, as she did during past family crises. Tributes from environmental organizations where Tatiana contributed are expected, potentially including memorials or funds in her name to support journalism or cancer research.
The funeral at St. Ignatius Loyola closes one chapter for the Schlossbergs and Kennedys, but Tatiana's influence endures through her writing and the family she leaves behind. As the caption from the JFK Library poignantly states, "As we remember Tatiana and celebrate her life, our hearts are with her family and all who loved her." In a city and a legacy defined by resilience, her memory will undoubtedly persist.