The funeral for the late Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, will be held on Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden and Chief Justice John Roberts are among those who will offer eulogies at the service, which is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. ET.
In addition to her notable achievement as a trailblazer, O’Connor was also known for playing a key role as a moderate on the conservative court. She passed away on December 1 at the age of 93.
Jay O’Connor, one of the late justice’s three sons, along with her biographer Evan Thomas, will also speak at the event. O’Connor was an active member of the cathedral community and served on its governing board.
The late justice lay in repose at the Supreme Court on Monday, with members of the public paying their respects. A brief ceremony was held in the morning, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor describing O’Connor as a “life role model.”
After being appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, O’Connor served for many years as a crucial swing vote on the then-closely divided court. She often played the deciding role in contentious cases.
The service at the Washington National Cathedral follows a tradition of holding memorials for prominent figures at the historic location. With the participation of President Biden, Chief Justice Roberts, and others, the event promises to be a poignant tribute to O’Connor’s life and legacy.