Feminist activist Gloria Steinem died on Wednesday at age 92, according to a post on Steinem's verified Instagram account.
Steinem "passed away peacefully" at her New York City home, according to the Instagram post. She co-founded Ms. and New York magazines and authored several books, including "Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions." She recently completed a memoir set to be released this fall, according to The Associated Press.
In addition to her writing career, Steinem also co-founded the National Women's Political Caucus, the Ms. Foundation for Women, the Free to Be Foundation and the Women's Media Center in the United States.
Steinem made several speeches in Connecticut throughout her career, including at the Community Fund for Women and Girls's 20th anniversary luncheon in New Haven. Steinem also received honorary degrees from Wesleyan University and Yale University.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro said in a news release on Thursday that she was "heartbroken" about Steinem's death.
"Gloria Steinem was a woman of vision," DeLauro said. "I was inspired by her time in Connecticut and feel so fortunate that I was able to work with her early in my career - she gave me critical support during my first run for Congress in the legendary Year of the Woman. Her legacy will continue to inspire, and her long-lasting impact will continue to be felt for generations to come."
Rep. John B. Larson also said he was "deeply saddened" by Steinem's death in a news release on Thursday.
"At a time when women could not even own credit cards in their own name, Gloria led a movement that unapologetically demanded equal opportunity for women in all aspects of life," Larson said in the news release. "Today, her fight for equal pay, reproductive justice, and equality under the law remains alive and well."
Steinem asked that those wishing to honor with her a gift make a donation to Gloria's Foundation, according to the Instagram post about her death.
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This article originally published at Gloria Steinem, feminist icon with deep Connecticut ties, dies at 92.