Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to be appointed as the United States Supreme Court justice, has died, the American highest court announced in a statement on its website on Friday.

“Retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Sandra Day O’Connor died this morning in Phoenix, Arizona, of complications related to advanced dementia, probably Alzheimer’s, and a respiratory illness,” the statement said.

She was 93.

Justice O’Connor, a rancher’s daughter, made history on September 25, 1981, after she was appointed to a seat in the Supreme Court following her nomination by former President Ronald Reagan.

She occupied the position until she retired on January 31, 2006, to take care of her sick husband. Justice O’Connor, a conservative, was known for her actions dealing with legal issues relating to affirmative action, abortion, voting rights, religion, federalism, and sex discrimination.

Justice O’Connor, who founded and led iCivics, the nation’s leading civics education platform, after her retirement, is survived by her three sons, Scott (Joanie) O’Connor, Brian (Shawn) O’Connor, and Jay (Heather) O’Connor, and six grandchildren.

“A daughter of the American Southwest, Sandra Day O’Connor blazed a historic trail as our nation’s first female Justice. She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candour,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr said about the passing of Justice O’Connor.

He added: “We at the Supreme Court mourn the loss of a beloved colleague, a fiercely independent defender of the rule of law and an eloquent advocate for civics education. And we celebrate her enduring legacy as a true public servant and patriot.”