Shirley Abrahamson, former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice, dies at 87

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) --- Shirley Abrahamson, former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief, has died. She was 87.

According to a statement by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Abrahamson has served more than 40 years on the Wisconsin Supreme Court

and wrote more than 1,300 opinions. She was the state's longest-serving member of the court and the first female to serve as Chief Justice for Wisconsin. 

"Abrahamson was a first - the first woman to serve on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the first woman to serve as chief justice," Evers said. "Yet, her legacy is defined not just by being a first, but her life's work of ensuring she would not be the last, paving and lighting the way for the many women and others who would come after her." 

According to Wisconsin Historical Society, Abrahamson was born in 1933 in New York City. She was appointed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1976 and became Chief Justice in 1996. 

Abrahamson retired in 2019. 

"She was had a larger-than-life impact on the legal profession in Wisconsin and our state's and country's jurisprudence," Evers said. "She was a pillar of our state and the court for generations. We have missed her greatly on the court, and we will miss her greatly in this life."

Justice Shirley Abrahamson will be remembered for many things — her wit, her passion for our judicial and legal institutions, and for instilling that same passion in so many who came after her. On behalf of the people of Wisconsin, thank you, Justice Abrahamson. pic.twitter.com/z0sUAaf9Ro

— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) June 19, 2019

Shirley Abrahamson has served Wisconsin with independence, fairness and hard work. She has long been an inspiration to me and so many in Wisconsin and across the country. Thank you, Justice Abrahamson for all you have done for Wisconsin. I’m proud to celebrate #ShirleyDay! https://t.co/POxkNyjneU

— Sen. Tammy Baldwin (@SenatorBaldwin) June 18, 2019