Retired Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Sandra Day O’Connor passed away on Friday morning. She was 93 years old.
O’Connor, who made history as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court when she was appointed by former President Ronald Reagan in 1981, died in Phoenix, Arizona, from complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness.
O’Connor retired in 2006 after serving nearly a quarter of a century on the nation’s highest court.
She is survived by her three sons, Scott, Brian, and Jay; and by her six grandchildren: Courtney, Adam, Keely, Weston, Dylan, and Luke.
“A daughter of the American Southwest, Sandra Day O’Connor blazed an historic trail as our Nation’s first female Justice,” said Chief Justice John Roberts. “She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor. We at the Supreme Court mourn the loss of a beloved colleague, a fiercely independent defender of the rule of law, and an eloquent advocate for civics education. And we celebrate her enduring legacy as a true public servant and patriot.”
O’Connor was born in El Paso, Texas, on March 26, 1930. She married her husband, John Jay O’Connor III in 1952, and cared for him until his final moments in 2009 when he passed away in an assisted-living center from Alzheimer’s disease.
Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court has died at the age of 93. As a pioneering force on the nation’s highest court, O’Connor focused on the letter of the law and voted for what she believed best fit the intentions of the U.S. Constitution. After she… pic.twitter.com/oGHGcdHoun
— HISTORY (@HISTORY) December 1, 2023
O’Connor was beloved by many and political figures from across the political spectrum had nothing but good things to say about her.
“Ronald Reagan put it best when he called Justice O’Connor a ‘person for all seasons’,” said former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. “Her life and career are a testament to hard work, determination, Western grit and the American dream.”
Ducey called O’Connor a “force of nature, with a keen grasp on basic common sense.”
Ronald Reagan put it best when he called Justice O’Connor a “person for all seasons.” Her life and career are a testament to hard work, determination, Western grit and the American dream. From the Arizona Senate to the United States Supreme Court, she broke barriers and shattered… pic.twitter.com/sd2uKTJZOe
— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) December 1, 2023
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that O’Connor breaking barriers showed women that they could ascend to the highest levels of public service.
“She inspired countless women to enter the legal field and to serve their country,” she said. “Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this difficult time.”
This report has been updated to include additional information.