In her life-time, Edie Windsor changed history, and everyone from LGBT citizens and allies, to past presidents and celebrities were grateful for her courage.
Her 2013 lawsuit against the federal government prompted the Supreme Court to strike down a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA.
The suit, United States v. Windsor, was integral to the 2015 high court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Barak Obama was quick to pay tribute, writing on his facebook page;
America’s long journey towards equality has been guided by countless small acts of persistence, and fueled by the stubborn willingness of quiet heroes to speak out for what’s right. Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor – and few made as big a difference to America.”
https://www.facebook.com/barackobama/photos/a.53081056748.66806.6815841748/10155249874881749
The former president touted Windsor’s role in the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling on marriage equality, which he called “a victory for human decency, equality, freedom, and justice.”
I thought about all the millions of quiet heroes across the decades whose countless small acts of courage slowly made an entire country realize that love is love – and who, in the process, made us all more free. They deserve our gratitude. And so does Edie.”
Hillary Clinton also offered her condolences on Windsor’s passing, along with many others.
Edie Windsor showed the world that love can be a powerful force for change. She will be greatly missed. https://t.co/EiSFYE7ip0
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 13, 2017
Edie Windsor was magic, plain and simple. https://t.co/vRNZ7Y7t8rhttps://t.co/OpT5rcqGvL
— Rachel Maddow MSNBC (@maddow) September 12, 2017
Edie Windsor & Thea Spyer
Together for 42yrs before they married in Canada. #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/2e7ErddIMS
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) September 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/ColeLedford11/status/907696439735848960
As a leader & icon in the fight for marriage equality, Edith Windsor became a hero to millions. Thank you, Edie, for inspiring a generation. pic.twitter.com/VrPXxHquiw
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) September 12, 2017
RIP, Edie Windsor. Thank you for loving America the way you did.
— Saeed Jones (@theferocity) September 12, 2017
so proud to stand next to my son Parker and #EdieWindsor – what an amazing woman she was #EqualityForAll pic.twitter.com/73LZbm11B8
— ROSIE (@Rosie) September 12, 2017