Today, just months after finally being able to marry her longtime partner Phyllis Lyon, lesbian rights activist Del Martin died. In 1955, Del helped form the Daughters of Bilitis, the first national organization for lesbians in the United States.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle:

Ms. Martin died this morning at UCSF Hospice, nearly two weeks after she was admitted with a broken arm. Lyon was at her side.

"Ever since I met Del 55 years ago, I could never imagine a day would come when she wouldn't be by my side," Lyon said in a statement issued by the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "I am so lucky to have known her, loved her and been her partner in all things.

"I also never imagined there would be a day that we would actually be able to get married," Lyon said. "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."

Martin, who studied at UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University, was 87-years-old and will be dearly missed.