Born:
- 20 February 1928
- Boston, Massachusetts
Died:
- 17 June 2020 (Aged 92)
- Manhattan, New York
Children:
- Stephen Edward Smith Jr.
- William Kennedy Smith
- Amanda Mary Smith
- Kym Maria Smith
Spouse:
- Stephen Edward Smith (m. 1956– his death in 1990)
Parents:
- Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.
- Rose F. Kennedy
Education:
- Manhattanville College
Life, work, and accomplishments:
- Founded the Very Special Arts (VSA), now the Department of the VSA, which is an internationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to creating a society where those with disabilities can engage in the arts.
- In 2011, Jean was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama for her work in the VSA
- 25th United States Ambassador to Ireland, 17 June 1993–17 September 1998
- In her role as U.S. Ambassador, she played a significant role in facilitating and furthering the Northern Ireland Peace Process that ended the Troubles. In recognition of this, she was awarded honorary Irish citizenship in 1998 by the nation’s president.