Words of Tribute to Activist Del Martin

We owe a great deal to Del. She was a true pioneer who never tired, never gave up on her mission to secure full equality for each of us. Del's work will continue to touch the lives of future generations, and her spirit will live on in the work of NOW and our allies.

-- NOW President, Kim Gandy. Read more in our statement.

Here are just some of the thoughts and words left by visitors to our tribute page. Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Del -- I know you are "equal at last" and waiting for the rest of us to keep on plugging away until it is our turn to lay the burden down. You and your soul mate Phyllis were a real inspiration to me back in the 70's and I'll never forget your courage and your booming laugh when we decided to go for the extension for the ERA despite certain defeat ahead.... You leave mighty big shoes to fill -- it will take an army. Fortuately you helped found one. Phyllis, you have much love and support from countless friends to draw upon. Let us help.

-- Sydney

Without you finding my true identity may not have been possible. Your lifelong efforts have made the world a better place, and no words are enough to thank you for everything. After all your work, you deserve to rest peacefully, Del. We all love you.

-- LD, CA

Thank you Del and Phyllis. Mother Father God cared enough to send Her very best. Your love, faith, self-sacrifice, courage shall be rewarded in Paradise.

-- Pamela, IL

Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, devoted activists.

Del Martin was my mentor in the late eighties in the form of her ground breaking book, "Battered Wives". As an advocate for victims of domestic violence, it was always required reading for my staff or volunteers. So much has been written about her work for lesbian rights. I remember her for her work on behalf of abuse victims. Thank you Ms Martin.

-- Sharon, GA

The "l" word, in your case, stands for "legend." May those who follow in your footsteps have the fortitude to fill and forge beyond yours.

-- Marlayna

To all of those who knew Del personally, my heart goes out to you. As a women who has family members who have served our country in the military and are lesbians which I admire and love, I will continue to support the NOW organization for the rest of my life. I have also experienced Domestic Violence within a marriage to a man who has hurt my children also, and am looking foward to reading her book, Batterd Wives. She will truly be missed.

-- Tammra, IN

Del, you gave me strength back in the years when I needed a sister, a shoulder, an ally. You never met me, but I leaned on you then. Thank you so much. You will be missed, sister, along with Andrea Dworkin and Audre Lorde; you will be missed.

-- Diana, IL

Thank you for ALL you've done. Heaven has a formidable new tenant. We will continue to admire your courage and commitment. Continue to watch over us!

-- Pete, NC

I am married and have rights because of women like Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon. Thank you for yor dedication and for your example of what a real lesbian couple is. My heart goes out to you Phyllis, I hope I have as many years with my wife.

With all of our sympathy and gratitude,

-- Denise & Johanna

God Bless her and keep her.

-- Sheila

My son's high school has an after school organization, where LGTB young people can feel comfortable. I was very proud to learn about this organization and our high school owes a debt of gratitude to Del Martin for making such an organization possible. I remember reading about Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon in the '70s and feeling very impressed by the actions of these two trailblazers. Phyllis, I am so sorry for your loss.

-- Nancy, NY

Dear Phyllis,

I am thinking of you and Del and the struggles for equality for women, your support for child care, peace and justice and am so glad we all lived long enough to see you and Del honored in marriage. What a long road it has been. But what a worthwhile path.

-- Lynne, CA

We all thank you Del for your courage and character!

-- Louise, NY

I did not know Del Martin, or even of her, but I still feel like I lost a friend and an ally in our fight for human rights. I say human rights, because I would not be counted as a woman or LGBT person, but I am human and anyone who denies another human their rights must be stopped. Del Martin obviously worked hard to recognize and protect others rights. For that, I salute her. To her friends, family and admirers, I offer my sympathy.

-- Thomas, CO