Bridget Murphy Kennedy, the great grandmother of President John F. Kennedy, met her husband, Patrick, on the boat immigrating to Boston in 1849. The Kennedys had five children. After Patrick’s death, Kennedy became a successful businesswoman, opening a small stationery and notions store in East Boston. This paved the way for the future success of her son Patrick “PJ” Kennedy
Mary August Hickey Kennedy, grandmother of President John F. Kennedy, was a member of East Boston’s Irish elite. “Mame” married Patrick Joseph “PJ” Kennedy and had three children. Her son Joseph, President Kennedy’s father, was groomed to fit into Yankee society. She sent him to Boston Latin School and Harvard College. Mary Kennedy was active in politics, including women’s suffrage.
