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Husband of Retired Justice O'Connor Dies

John O'Connor, 79, suffered Alzheimer's complications

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 11, 2009 9:26 PM CST

(AP) – John J. O'Connor III, the husband of retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, died today at age 79 due to complications arising from Alzheimer's disease. John O'Connor, himself a lawyer, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's nearly two decades ago. His condition deteriorated markedly in mid-decade and when she announced her retirement in 2005, the justice cited the need to care for her husband.

Following her retirement, Sandra O'Connor made public her family's battle with Alzheimer's and became a vocal supporter of additional money for research. The family also shared a poignant development, saying that John O'Connor struck up a romance with a fellow Alzheimer's patient at an assisted living center in Phoenix. The relationship changed his outlook for the better, their son, Scott, said, adding that his mother was just glad he was comfortable.

Then-Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and her husband John are seen in a 2004 photo.
Then-Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and her husband John are seen in a 2004 photo.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
RockyPneumonia
Nov 12, 2009 9:06 AM CST
"Shut up, Deebles" ...Or at least post messages that are comprehensible.
Silverbow7
Nov 12, 2009 7:17 AM CST
I admired that about her too. What you say about love is right on. It is loving that gives us peace and joy.
rajanKazhmin
Nov 12, 2009 7:16 AM CST
Look at me I'm on the internet yelling at people about things I hardly understand.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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