Edie Windsor's Wife and Attorney Issue Statements on Late LGBTQ Rights Icon's Passing

NEW YORK - Judith Kasen-Windsor, wife of Edie Windsor and Roberta ("Robbie") Kaplan, Edie Windsor's attorney, today issued the following statements on Ms. Windsor's passing today in New York. Edie Windsor was 88 years old.

Statement from Judith Kasen-Windsor:

"I lost my beloved spouse Edie, and the world lost a tiny but tough as nails fighter for freedom, justice and equality. Edie was the light of my life. She will always be the light for the LGBTQ community which she loved so much and which loved her right back."

Statement from Roberta Kaplan:

"Representing Edie Windsor was and will always be the greatest honor of my life. She will go down in the history books as a true American hero. With Edie's passing, I lost not only a treasured client, but a member of my family. I know that Edie's memory will always be a blessing to Rachel, myself, and Jacob. I also know that her memory will be a blessing not only to every LGBT person on this planet, but to all who believe in the concept of b'tzelem elohim, or equal dignity for all."

A public memorial will be held Friday, September 15 at Riverside Memorial Chapel at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Edie Windsor had requested that any donations in her memory be made to the following organizations:

New York's LGBT Center www.gaycenter.org
LGBTQ community healthcare leader Callen-Lorde - www.callen-lorde.org
LGBTQ youth advocacy organization Hetrick-Martin Institute - www.hmi.org
Advocacy group for LGBTQ elders SAGE - www.sageusa.org