As Sandra Day O’Connor turns 90, her history is detailed online

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor turns 90 years old Thursday, and her birthday gift is a bonanza for those curious about her historic life and career.

The Arizona-based Sandra Day O’Connor Institute has posted an online archive of her work to mark her milestone birthday, said Sarah Suggs, president and CEO of the nonprofit.

The look back at O’Connor’s accomplishments comes as a welcome distraction from the coronavirus pandemic.

Suggs had a Mexican-food lunch with O’Connor in recent weeks and said the justice was “frail,” but “chatty and in good spirits.”

“I’m happy to report she ate the whole enchilada,” Suggs joked about their lunch. “All things considered, she’s doing very well . ... She’s in very good care and surrounded by loved ones.”

O’Connor, the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court, has been in relative seclusion since her announcement in October 2018 that she was ending public engagements because of the onset of dementia.

The online archive includes texts of her works as a member of the Arizona Legislature, her Supreme Court opinions, a selection of her speeches and a catalog of her former law clerks, among other items.

O’Connor is aware of the coronavirus situation, Suggs said, but noted the former ranch girl who grew up in the Great Depression had seen tough times before.

President Ronald Reagan named O’Connor to the high court in 1981. She remained there until her retirement in 2006.