Edith Windsor, LGBTQ activist and lead plaintiff in a pivotal Supreme Court marriage-equality case, died Tuesday at age 88, according to the New York Times.
Windsor’s case eliminated the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013 by granting federal recognition and benefits to same-sex married couples.
That decision was limited to 13 states and the District of Columbia, but it was followed by a 2015 Supreme Court ruling that declared same-sex couples throughout the nation had a constitutional right to marry.
Windsor is survived by wife Judith Kasen-Windsor. The pair wed in October 2016.
Numerous public figures shared their grief and appreciation on Twitter, and an array of these messages can be seen below.
Very sad to read of Edith Windsor's passing. Our world is better for her life. Keeping her wife Judith, all her family & friends in my heart https://t.co/K3HebHZhyb
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) September 12, 2017
Heartbroken to learn of the passing of my friend Edie Windsor.
Fight for what is right and change the world.https://t.co/aUEo7rkIJQ
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) September 12, 2017
Rest in peace Edith Windsor. We'll be grateful to you for the rest of our lives… https://t.co/RvisofSlBB
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) September 12, 2017
THANK YOU, EDI, FOR YOUR FIGHT! Edith Windsor, Whose Same-Sex Marriage Fight Led to Landmark Ruling, Dies at 88 https://t.co/za32bcW2wX
— Bryan Fuller (@BryanFuller) September 12, 2017
Edith Windsor made this country better. Her courage means millions of Americans can now marry the person they love. #LoveWins
— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) September 12, 2017