Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of former United Statespresident John F. Kennedy, has died at the age of 88. Shriver’sdaughter Maria, the wife of California governor ArnoldSchwarzenegger, stated last year that her mother had suffered froma series of strokes.

“We have always been honored to share our mother with people ofgood will the world over who believe, as she did, that there is nolimit to the human spirit. At this time of loss, we feeloverwhelmed by the gifts of prayer and support poured out to usfrom so many who loved her. We are together in our belief that sheis now in heaven, rejoicing with her family, enjoying the fruits ofher faith, and still urging us onward to the challenges ahead. Herlove will inspire us to faith and service always,” said Shriver’sfamily in a statement on her Web site.

Born in 1921 in Brookline, Massachusetts located in the U.S.,she was the fifth of nine children of Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. andRose Kennedy (n?©e Fitzgerald).

Shriver was the founder of the Special Olympics. She alsoadvocated for federal funding in the 1960’s to help treat thementally disabled.