First Female Illinois Supreme Court Justice Dies

(CBS) -- Mary Ann McMorrow, the first female Illinois State Supreme Court Justice, died Saturday, according to a news release. McMorrow was also the first woman to serve as the state's chief justice.

She served on the Illinois Supreme Court from 1992 until her retirement July 5, 2006 and her tenure as Chief Justice began September 5, 2002 and concluded September 4, 2005.

Current Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride released a statement saying, "We will fondly remember Justice McMorrow and always cherish the privilege of having worked with her. Being the first woman on the Court and to serve as Chief Justice, she was an inspiration to all women in the law in Illinois. But through her courage, perseverance, wisdom, and character, she was a role model for all lawyers, regardless of gender. Her legacy looms large over the Illinois legal system, evidenced by the fact we are the first court to include three women."