In a state so often divided along partisan lines, Democrats and Republicans alike were moved to tears as they gathered in the Florida capitol Thursday to honor the life and legacy of Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson, a longtime legislator, civil rights legend and educator who died on Feb. 13 at the age of 76.

There are many women who have made large contributions to not only Florida’s history, but to the history of the United States. In 1994, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Florida State University for her work and dedication on behalf of the Seminole people. She was dubbed the “First Orlando Girl Doctor.” Maguire also served on the Founders Committee at the University of Florida, where she helped plan for the College of Medicine and also was involved in the founding of the College of Medicine at Florida State University. She graduated from Florida State College for Women, now FSU, with a bachelor’s in zoology, and later University of Florida with her master’s, and became the first female government wildlife technician. AdBETH JOHNSONElizabeth “Beth” McCullough Johnson was the first woman in the Florida Senate after four years in the House, paving the way for women in politics.