Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was remembered and celebrated by area residents outside the Old Courthouse in Batavia on Tuesday evening as not only a champion of equal rights for women but for her fervent support for equal rights for all people.

Among the speakers, Millie Tomidy-Pepper, director of the YWCA, who celebrated Ginsburg's legacy as a fierce fighter for equality rights and justice.

"Time and time again," Tomidy-Pepper said, "each one of us here tonight has undeniably reaped the benefits of her actions."

Amy Martoche, a candidate for New York's Supreme Court, called Ginsburg an inspiration and that throughout her career, she's known that each day she goes to work, she is standing on the shoulders of Ginsburg.

"She was small in stature but a giant in every other way," Martoche said. "She had the brains and power to help those of us without power."

From Erica O'Donnell:

Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. to honor the memory and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg around the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St. Batavia.

Please wear warm clothes, a mask, and practice responsible social distancing.

We will have some candles available, but you may bring your own.

We are honored to have remarks by Judge Amy Martoche, candidate for NYS Supreme Court, Diana Kastenbaum, and other local women.

We will also have a Hebrew Benediction by Hiram Kasten.

All are welcome to attend.

A group of area residents came together Saturday night to hold a vigil in Le Roy in memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away Friday at age 87.

Ginsburg was appointed to the court in 1993 following an already distinguished legal career as an advocate for equal rights for women.

Photos by Philip Casper.