(Middletown, NY)-Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on the passing of former Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals Judith Kaye:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Judith Kaye. A native of Monticello, NY, she was the first female to serve on the Court of Appeals, and the first to be nominated Chief Judge. She was not only an inspiration to countless young female legal professionals, but also a model on how to work through complex legal issues and arrive at decisions that were fair and just to everyone involved.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this most difficult time.”