Sandra Day O’Connor — the first woman to sit as a Supreme Court Justice — has announced that she’s suffering from the “beginning stages of dementia, probably Alzheimer’s.” The beloved public figure announced her retirement from public life after being a regular presence on the social scene since leaving the Supreme Court in 2005. At the time, she revealed that she was giving up her seat to help care for her husband John O’Connor III, who had earlier been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He would pass away in 2009, but not before Sandra selflessly helped her ailing husband find a new love in a tragic senior romance…
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Insiders told
The National ENQUIRER in 2008 of how John had forgotten his spouse and fallen in love with a fellow patient while being care for at an Arizona home for Alzheimer's patients. But, revealed close sources, Sandra had responded with courage and grace. In fact, their son Scott insisted she was "thrilled" her husband found a loving companion in his sad, final days.
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"Mom was thrilled Dad was relaxed and happy and comfortable," said Scott — adding that as his father's mental prowess deteriorated, John had grown depressed and introverted. "It didn't take long for him to get the idea that this was his last stop," explained Scott. " He knew this was the beginning of the end."
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But his blossoming romance with another patient, named Kay, helped to rejuvenate John. "He's like a teenager in love," says Scott. And rather than breaking the noted judge's heart, the sight of John and his new gal pal comforted his mother. "To visit when he's happy — sitting on the porch swing with his girlfriend, holding hands — Mom was thrilled!"
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But despite her relief in seeing John blissfully happy, Sandra still suffered from the loss of his companionship. Said Scott: "They were husband and wife, lovers, best friends — and that's gone." Now, Scott and his two brothers will be there for their mother as she faces her own continuing struggle with dementia.
Insiders told
The National ENQUIRER in 2008 of how John had forgotten his spouse and fallen in love with a fellow patient while being care for at an Arizona home for Alzheimer's patients. But, revealed close sources, Sandra had responded with courage and grace. In fact, their son Scott insisted she was "thrilled" her husband found a loving companion in his sad, final days.
Photo credit: Getty Images
"Mom was thrilled Dad was relaxed and happy and comfortable," said Scott — adding that as his father's mental prowess deteriorated, John had grown depressed and introverted. "It didn't take long for him to get the idea that this was his last stop," explained Scott. " He knew this was the beginning of the end."
Photo credit: Getty Images
But his blossoming romance with another patient, named Kay, helped to rejuvenate John. "He's like a teenager in love," says Scott. And rather than breaking the noted judge's heart, the sight of John and his new gal pal comforted his mother. "To visit when he's happy — sitting on the porch swing with his girlfriend, holding hands — Mom was thrilled!"
Photo credit: Getty Images
But despite her relief in seeing John blissfully happy, Sandra still suffered from the loss of his companionship. Said Scott: "They were husband and wife, lovers, best friends — and that's gone." Now, Scott and his two brothers will be there for their mother as she faces her own continuing struggle with dementia.
Photo credit: Getty Images
