Rosemary Kennedy

Rosemary Kennedy, born on September 13, 1918, was the eldest daughter of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. As a member of the prominent Kennedy family, she was the sister of President John F. Kennedy and senators Robert F. and Ted Kennedy. From a young age, Rosemary exhibited developmental delays, which became more pronounced as she entered her young adult years.

In 1941, at the age of twenty-three, her father made the controversial decision to arrange a lobotomy in response to her increasing irritability and difficulties. This procedure had devastating consequences, leaving her permanently incapacitated and unable to communicate intelligibly.

Following the lobotomy, Rosemary spent the majority of her life at St. Coletta, an institution located in Jefferson, Wisconsin. For decades, the truth about her condition and whereabouts was kept hidden from the public eye. Although initially isolated from her siblings and extended family, she was able to reconnect with them during her later years, shedding light on her life and struggles.