Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, was fondly remembered by family, friends, and esteemed dignitaries during a memorial service held in Washington D.C. President Donald Trump, Chief Justice John Roberts, and journalist Evan Thomas all spoke highly of the late Justice, highlighting her dedication to the law, her love for her family, and her impactful contributions to American democracy.
Sandra Day O'Connor, known as a force of nature, was raised on the Lazy Bee Ranch in Arizona, where she developed a deep appreciation for the wide-open desert and the limitless possibilities it represented. Books became her escape and her pathway to higher education, leading her to Stanford University and beyond.
While O'Connor's career on the Supreme Court spanned 40 years, she didn't rest on her laurels after retirement. Recognizing a growing disengagement among citizens from their democracy, she founded iCivics, a nonprofit organization aimed at teaching young people about government and democracy through interactive games and engaging content. Today, iCivics is widely utilized by schools across the country, reaching over half of middle and high school students.
Despite her formidable accomplishments, O'Connor remained a devoted family woman. She shared a loving 57-year marriage with her husband, John, and adored her three sons, frequently involving them in various family activities. O'Connor's sons fondly recalled her influence in their lives, from organizing the household to typing their papers. Her unwavering support extended to their personal lives, as she notoriously attempted to set one son up with a woman who was in a full-body cast.
Twitter Post On Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor honored for extraordinary legacy
Known for her probing questions during oral arguments, O'Connor's strong sense of justice and unwavering commitment to treating others with kindness and respect shaped her approach to life. Her final message to her sons, handed down through a letter written in 1987, emphasized the importance of helping others along the way, a sentiment that encapsulated her life's purpose.
As the memorial service concluded, Sandra Day O'Connor's family announced plans to bring her remains back to her beloved Lazy Bee Ranch, located in Round Mountain, Arizona. At the ranch, where she learned to see forever across the vast expanse of the desert, O'Connor's legacy and impact will continue to resonate.
In the end, her family bid her farewell, expressing their gratitude and love for the remarkable woman who paved the way for future generations and left an indelible mark on American history. Sandra Day O'Connor, the little cowgirl from a remote cattle ranch, will forever be remembered as a trailblazer, a mother, and a champion of justice.
