For the past few years, many Americans have felt their heart race every time Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s name is trending in the news. The sigh of relief knowing she is okay, however, did not come to Americans Friday night when Justice Ginsburg passed away at age 87 due to complications of metastatic pancreas cancer. Chief Justice Roberts addressed the nation, saying Ginsburg, a “tireless and resolute champion of justice,” died at her home in Washington, D.C. alongside her family. 

Being diagnosed with cancer four times, Ginsburg has had many health scares, but never seemed to lose her spark. She was educated, fierce, and downright unapologetic until the end. She spent her life fighting against discrimination on the basis of sex, and was a trailblazer in the fight for equal rights. She was the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court and had no intention to step down while she was still alive, regardless of her health conditions. 

Ginsburg dedicated her life to fighting for less fortunate people. She paved the way for other women in male-dominated fields and leadership positions. She encouraged patience and persistence when it came to women in male-dominated workplaces, but she never shied away from the fact that women must be in every place where a decision is being made. She never let a voice go unheard, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and all else. 

Despite her wish for the Senate to not fill the empty seat on the Supreme Court until after a new president is in office, Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnel promised President Trump would select her replacement. The Senate can vote to halt any replacement hearings until after the election, as they did when Justice Scalia passed in 2016, however it is unlikely due to the Republican majority. 

American’s fight for equality just got a little bit harder, but may Justice Ginsburg be remembered for her selflessness and rest in power.