CONTACT:
County Executive Press Office
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press@milwaukeecountywi.gov
MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley released the following statement on the passing of former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson:
“The loss of Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson is devastating. Today, I join the people of Wisconsin in mourning her passing. I am thinking of the Justice’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“Chief Justice Abrahamson was a remarkable public servant and a jurist of historic stature whose 40-year career on the court is hallmarked by her efforts to make Wisconsin a fair and more just place to live.
“She was the first woman to serve on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and the first to serve as chief justice, inspiring the generations who came after her to follow in her footsteps in moving our state forward. As the longest serving Supreme Court Justice in state history, Chief Justice Abrahamson’s impact on the legal profession in Wisconsin cannot be overstated. Her influence was enormous and lives on through the hundreds of opinions written by her over her incredible career.
“She handled the challenges thrown at her throughout her life and career with civility and dignity. At the same time, she was a fighter, battling to the end, through her illness, with a burning passion to continue defending our democracy and its ideals. We will remember her in this way and honor her by picking up the torch to continue the work she started.”
“Wisconsin will miss her dearly. “
