A Heartfelt Farewell: The Kennedy Family Remembers Tatiana Schlossberg

On January 5th, the Kennedy family gathered at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Manhattan’s Upper East Side to pay tribute to Tatiana Schlossberg, a cherished daughter, sister, and mother who left this world far too soon at the age of 35.

This poignant moment marked a bittersweet occasion, as the family came together to honor one of their youngest and brightest voices.

Tatiana, the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, and the granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, was laid to rest in a church that holds deep significance for the family.

It was the same church where they mourned the loss of her grandmother, Jackie Kennedy, in 1994.

The gathering was not just a farewell; it was a testament to the love and respect that Tatiana inspired in her family and friends.

As mourners arrived, the pews were filled with generations of Kennedys, reflecting the profound impact Tatiana had on her family.

Extended relatives, including Carrie Kennedy and Joe Kennedy III, were among the first to arrive, followed closely by Tatiana’s immediate family.

Her parents, Caroline and Ed, stood alongside her siblings, Rose and Jack, while her husband, George Moran, held their two young children, son Edwin and daughter Josephine, close to him.

The gathering was attended by close friends and notable figures who recognized Tatiana not just as a member of an iconic American family but as a powerful voice in her own right.

Among the attendees were late-night television legend David Letterman and fashion designer Carolina Herrera, who had designed Tatiana’s wedding dress.

David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, also paid his respects, having previously praised Tatiana’s courage in sharing her cancer journey with the public.

Tatiana’s passing was first announced on December 30th by the JFK Library Foundation in a heartfelt statement that encapsulated the family’s grief.

The message read, “Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts.”

This statement was signed by her husband, children, parents, and siblings, showcasing the unity and love that surrounded her during her life.

In her last months, Tatiana had bravely shared her story with the world through an essay published in The New Yorker.

In this deeply personal piece, she described the shock of her diagnosis with acute myeloid leukemia, which came shortly after the birth of her daughter in 2024.

She recounted the surreal experience of hearing the words “acute myeloid leukemia” while still feeling strong and healthy, even recalling swimming a mile in the pool late in her pregnancy.

Tatiana wrote candidly about her months of treatment, which included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

She also reflected on the significant health policy decisions that unfolded while she was undergoing treatment—decisions that directly affected patients like her.

Her essay revealed not only her struggle with illness but also her resilience and determination to advocate for others facing similar challenges.

Beyond her battle with cancer, Tatiana built a rich life as a scholar and journalist.

She earned a degree in history from Yale University and a master’s in American history from the University of Oxford.

Her career as an environmental journalist was marked by her dedication to ocean conservation, a project she was passionate about before her diagnosis.

Tatiana took immense pride in being a mother and a writer, expressing her joy that her young son knew her as someone who cared deeply about the planet.

However, the illness that struck her also brought the heartache of not being able to fully care for her infant daughter during those crucial early months, due to the risk of infection.

On the morning of her funeral, the JFK Library Foundation shared a touching photo of Tatiana with her husband and children, taken on Martha’s Vineyard in September.

The caption read, “As they remember Tatiana and celebrate her life, their hearts are with her family and everyone who loved her.

” This beautiful sentiment encapsulates the essence of Tatiana’s life—a life filled with love, courage, and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Tatiana Schlossberg’s story is one of intellect, bravery, and compassion.

She faced an unimaginable diagnosis with honesty and grace, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate for years to come.

The quiet yet powerful presence of her family at that Park Avenue church served as a poignant reminder that while her life was far too short, the impact she made on those around her will endure.

As the Kennedy family laid Tatiana to rest, they not only honored her memory but also celebrated the vibrant spirit she brought into their lives.

Her legacy as a devoted mother, a passionate writer, and an advocate for the environment will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who will come to learn about her remarkable life.

In the hearts of her family and friends, Tatiana Schlossberg will forever be remembered as a beacon of love and strength, a young woman who faced life’s challenges with unwavering courage.