The Academy mourns the passing of Sandra Day O'Connor, former associate justice of the Supreme Court, and first female to serve on the court. O’Connor passed away in Phoenix, Arizona on December 1, 2023, the court announced via release.
O’Connor was appointed to the Supreme Court by Ronald Reagan in 1981, and served more than 24 years on the court before retiring in 2006.
She was a National Academy of Public Administration Fellow, admitted as part of the class of 2005.
She is survived by her sons, Scott (Joanie) O’Connor, Brian (Shawn) O’Connor, and Jay (Heather) O’Connor; six grandchildren: Courtney, Adam, Keely, Weston, Dylan and Luke; her brother Alan Day, Sr. Her husband, John O’Connor, preceded her in death in 2009.
To learn more about O’Connor’s prolific career and accomplishments, visit SupremeCourt.gov.