Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman Supreme Court justice who served for 24 years, passed away at the age of 93 in Phoenix due to dementia. She was an influential figure in American jurisprudence, particularly known for her role in landmark decisions on affirmative action and abortion, and for playing a crucial role in the 5-4 decision in Bush v. Gore that led to George W. Bush's victory in the 2000 presidential election. In recognition of her contributions to the judiciary, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

O'Connor's appointment in 1981 paved the way for subsequent female justices, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan, and made her a true pioneer. Her career exemplified resilience, as she overcame gender-based employment discrimination to become the first female majority leader in the United States for the Arizona Senate. A moderate conservative, she defied categorization and often served as a swing voter in high-profile cases.

O'Connor's nuanced approach to abortion, evolving from an initial stance against it to a decisive vote in favor of upholding Roe v. Wade in 1992, showcased her commitment to legal principles and precedent. Her legacy extended beyond her judicial contributions, as the Supreme Court underwent symbolic changes, such as the designation of the first women's bathroom near the courtroom, in response to her appointment.

Post-retirement, O'Connor founded iCivics, an initiative to educate children about the political process through interactive games. Her transformative contributions to the American judiciary will always be remembered.

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