Del Martin Dies
Wednesday August 27, 2008
It is with great sadness that I report the death of Del Martin (87), a pioneering lesbian rights activist and partner of 55 years to fellow activist Phyllis Lyon. Her wife was at her side when she died. Del and Phyllis were the first same-sex couple married in California both in 2004 and in 2008, when same-sex marriages became legal.
Phyllis Lyon issued this statement: “Ever since I met Del 55 years ago, I could never imagine a day would come when she wouldn’t be by my side. I am so lucky to have known her, loved her, and been her partner in all things,” Lyon said. “I also never imagined there would be a day that we would actually be able to get married. I am devastated, but I take some solace in knowing we were able to enjoy the ultimate rite of love and commitment before she passed.”
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© Photo Del Martin (left) with Phyllis Lyon by Marcio Jose Sanchez/Getty Images
Comments
That’s terrible. I can’t imagine the pain of losing someone you’ve known for that long, especially the one you loved and married. I’m glad they got the first and second opportunity, at the very least.
Very sad! But what a wonderful and inspirational 87 years she lived.
I haven’t seen this news elsewhere and would have missed it had it not been for you posting it here. Thanks for doing so.
This is indeed sad news.
As a couple, they were an inspiration to us all. Beautiful that they found each other. Sad she is gone. Also read it here first…thank you.
Again, I read it here first also. Feel so sad for Ms. Lyon. How lonely she must feel right now. Hope she has a good support system around her. 55 years, how I wish I could have that with my partner, and what a glorius life she lived making headway for me and others. Thank You Ms Martin, you will be missed.
This is so sad… they were such an inspiration to us lesbians every where. I am just happy that they were able to love eachother and grace the world with such knowledge not to let go of the dream. We as people should have the right to choose who we marry and love regardless of gender, religion etc. I thought this would be the only place that i would have seen this but i turned the tv on last night and they actually had a tribute to her on current tv. I was shocked.
We am so sad to hear of the loss of this wonderul woman and a true lady. I can only imagine the loss her wife, partner and friend must be dealing with. Both of us are so grateful for what these to wonderful women have done, without their efforts and the efforts of others like them who stood up so long ago Leah and I would not be married today. Thank you to both and our deepest sympathy to Ms. Lyon
Sincere sympathy to all who knew her.
Del and Phyllis are the inspiration and hope for all generations of lesbians that follow in their trail-blazing footsteps. Thank you for staying together and showing us that love can overcome. My deepest sympathis to Ms. Lyon at this time.
I’m sooo glad they got married first both times… but nothing upset me more than when prop 8 was passed shortly after del passed on.. my heart goes out to phyllis and their families…