Legacy

Sandra Day O’Connor retired from the Supreme Court on January 31st, 2006. On August 12th, 2009, President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, as recognition for O’Connor’s accomplishments. Also in 2009, O’Connor founded iCivics: 

"A nonprofit organization to develop free video games to teach civics to middle schoolers." ~ Evan Thomas, pg. 393 of First​​​​​​​

In October 2018, O’Connor revealed to the public that she had been diagnosed with dementia, most likely Alzheimer's, a disease that had already affected her through the death of her mom, aunt, and husband.

While still on the Court in 1987, O’Connor wrote instructions for her funeral in case she died during her time on the Court, at the end she acknowledged her sons:

​​​​​​​“I have been greatly blessed by my life’s experiences. I have loved dearly my husband, my children, Joanie [her new daughter-in-law], my friends and family. I hope I have helped pave the pathway for other women who have chosen to follow a career. Our purpose in life is to help others along the way. May you each try to do the same.”