The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands mourns the passing of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, a treasured friend of Walter and Leonore Annenberg, who worked with Mrs. Annenberg to champion civics education. Justice O’Connor died Friday at the age of 93.

Justice O’Connor worked closely with Leonore Annenberg on The Constitution Project started by The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands in 2001.  The Constitution Project teaches high school students various ways to examine and study the U.S. Constitution. Justice O’Connor visited Sunnylands several times to help create material and videos for the project.

In 2004, Justice O’Connor attended a retreat for the U.S. Supreme Court at Sunnylands organized by Mrs. Annenberg.  Along with Justice Stephen Breyer and Justice Anthony Kennedy, she discussed methods of teaching the Constitution to the public.

Writing in the Sunnylands guestbook, Justice O’Connor recalled her visits to Sunnylands as “enchanted,” whether it was discussing civics education or appreciating the peaceful atmosphere of the Annenberg home. She attended the New Year’s Eve festivities in 1981, mingling with guests that included President Ronald Reagan and singer Frank Sinatra.

The trustees and staff at Sunnylands remember Justice O’Connor affectionately and with respect. Her friendship with the Annenbergs and her efforts educating the American public about the Constitution will remain a historic mark on the estate and within the trust.