George Moran’s Heartfelt Eulogy for Tatiana Schlossberg: A Love Story Beyond Grief

On January 5, 2026, Dr. George Moran stood before a congregation filled with former presidents, celebrities, and influential political figures to deliver a eulogy that would resonate deeply with all in attendance.

His wife, Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, had tragically lost her battle with acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 35, leaving behind two young children who would struggle to remember her.

In a moment heavy with sorrow, George’s eulogy took an unexpected turn.

Instead of asking mourners to dwell on grief and tragedy, he urged them to focus on laughter, friendship, and the joy of living fully.

This poignant request captured the essence of Tatiana’s spirit and the love story that defined their lives together.

The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has long been a significant site in Kennedy family history.

It was here that Jackie Kennedy Onassis was baptized and confirmed, and it was also the site of her funeral in May 1994 after her own battle with cancer.

Now, 32 years later, Tatiana would be memorialized in the same church, creating a haunting parallel that weighed heavily on those present.

The private, invitation-only service drew a guest list that read like a who’s who of American power and influence.

Former President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, along with notable figures such as former Secretary of State John Kerry and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, attended to pay their respects.

The entertainment world was represented by personalities like David Letterman, Seth Meyers, and musician John Batiste.

Attendees included Karolina Herrera, the legendary fashion designer who had created Tatiana’s wedding dress, and David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, where Tatiana had published her final essay just weeks before her passing.

The Kennedy family arrived together, showcasing the tight-knit bond that had defined Tatiana’s last years.

Caroline Kennedy and her husband, Edwin Schlothberg, entered with their children, Jack and Rose, while George walked in with their two young kids, Edwin and Josephine.

Edwin had just turned three, and Josephine was barely 18 months old.

Those who attended described the service as formal yet deeply moving, with one person commenting that it was “a beautiful family and a beautiful service for a beautiful life,” highlighting the warmth and love that permeated the gathering.

The structure of the service followed tradition, with Jack Schlloberg welcoming mourners and Rose reading a passage.

A priest delivered a eulogy, but it was George Moran’s words that resonated most powerfully with the audience.

Timothy Shriver, Caroline Kennedy’s cousin, shared George’s message with the world the day after the funeral.

In a heartfelt tribute on social media, he captured the essence of George’s remarks, stating that “heartbreak doesn’t begin to capture the sadness we feel.”

He addressed his sympathy to Caroline, Ed, George, and the children, describing Tatiana as “so smart and so funny, just like her mom,” and “so thoughtful and so brilliant, just like her dad.”

Shriver emphasized Tatiana’s faith in nature and her willingness to confront the pressing issues of her time with courage and truth.

But it was George’s specific request that stood out: he asked everyone to keep Tatiana alive by embracing her spirit.

He encouraged them to be playful, to do crossword puzzles in under five minutes, to be the best friends they could be, to listen with kindness, to speak the truth, and to laugh hysterically.

This request, while seemingly lighthearted, encapsulated the core of Tatiana’s character and the values she embodied.

Tatiana was a woman of remarkable intellect, having graduated from Yale with distinction and earned a master’s degree from Oxford.

She built a career as a respected environmental journalist, known for her sharp wit and quick thinking.

George’s eulogy was not a traditional lamentation; instead, it was a call to action for everyone present to embody the qualities that made Tatiana extraordinary.

He wanted them to live fully, to embrace joy, and to carry her spirit forward in their daily lives.

Understanding George Moran’s message requires insight into his background and the life he shared with Tatiana.

Born and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut, George’s family straddled the worlds of high finance and philanthropy.

His father, Garrett Moran, had a successful career in private equity before pivoting to lead a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for disadvantaged young adults.

George attended the Brunswick School and later rowed competitively at Yale, where he first met Tatiana during their undergraduate years.

After earning his medical degree from Columbia University, George specialized in urology and became an attending physician and assistant professor at Columbia.

On September 9, 2017, George and Tatiana wed at the Kennedy family estate on Martha’s Vineyard, with former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick officiating.

Tatiana wore a stunning gown designed by Karolina Herrera, and their wedding photos captured the joy of their union.

Their first child, Edwin, was born in 2022, followed by their daughter Josephine in May 2024.

However, shortly after Josephine’s birth, Tatiana received the devastating diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, a cruel twist of fate that turned their lives upside down.

In her final essay, published on the anniversary of her grandfather’s assassination, Tatiana expressed disbelief at her diagnosis, reflecting on how she had just swum a mile in the pool the day before giving birth.

The subsequent year and a half of treatment tested their family in ways they could never have anticipated.

George’s unwavering devotion to Tatiana during her illness was evident in her writings, where she praised him for his support and kindness.

She recounted how he slept on hospital floors, took care of their children, and remained by her side throughout her darkest moments.

Tatiana’s words about George painted a picture of a loving husband who embodied the qualities she cherished most: kindness, humor, and intelligence.

The final photo of Tatiana, taken just months before her death, captured a moment of happiness with her family, showcasing her radiant spirit despite her illness.

In this photo, Tatiana smiles brightly, surrounded by her children and husband, a reminder of the love that defined her life.

The heartbreaking reality of Tatiana’s passing is compounded by the parallel experiences of her mother, Caroline Kennedy.

Just as Caroline lost her father at a young age, Tatiana’s children will grow up without their mother, relying on memories and stories to fill the void.

Caroline and Edwin Schlothberg are stepping in to help George raise their grandchildren, a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of loss within the Kennedy family.

As George navigates the challenges of single parenthood, he carries the weight of Tatiana’s memory with him every day.

He is not just a grieving widower; he is a father striving to keep the spirit of his wife alive for their children.

George’s request during the eulogy—to embody the qualities that made Tatiana who she was—serves as a powerful reminder of how to honor those we’ve lost.

Rather than simply mourning her absence, he invited everyone to celebrate her life by living fully and kindly, just as she did.

Tim Shriver’s words encapsulated George’s message perfectly: they cannot find sense in this loss, only indescribable sadness, but they can carry Tatiana’s spirit into the future.

Tatiana Schlloberg lived a life marked by achievements, love, and courage.

She faced her illness with extraordinary bravery and used her final months to advocate for the truth, even when it meant challenging her own family.

George Moran’s eulogy was not merely a farewell; it was a love story that transcended grief and offered a blueprint for honoring Tatiana’s legacy.

In a world often consumed by sorrow, George reminded everyone present that the best way to remember those we’ve lost is to strive to become a little more like them every day.

To be playful, kind, brilliant, and full of laughter, and to live each day with gratitude, love, and action.

Tatiana Schlloberg would have wanted nothing less from those who loved her.