“She was even better than you would imagine—spending Thanksgiving with our family, introducing me to one of my best friends (forever the champion of female friendship),” Markle mused. “Loving our children with her whole heart, counseling me during hard times, and giving extraordinary advice and perspective with a cup of tea and an unrivaled cheekiness and wit.”
On Sept. 3, Steinem’s team confirmed that she had died one day earlier in her New York City home surrounded by loved ones.
“Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end,” her team wrote in a statement. “Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor.”