Press Statement  Statement from the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court on the Passing of Former SJC Justice Barbara A. Lenk

BOSTON, MA — The Justices and staff of the Supreme Judicial Court mourn the passing of Justice Barbara A. Lenk and they extend their condolences to Justice Lenk’s family. The Honorable Barbara A. Lenk devoted 27 years of her career to serving the people of Massachusetts as a judge, first on the Superior Court, then on the Appeals Court, and finally for nine years as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. As the senior justice on the court following the unexpected death of Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants on September 14, 2020, Justice Lenk also performed the duties of the Chief Justice until her mandatory retirement on December 1, 2020. Justice Lenk’s opinions were known for their rigorous reasoning, careful attention to detail, and dedication to fairness. She set high standards for herself and all those who worked with her. Upon her retirement from the bench, Justice Lenk said that she had sought to meet the challenge posed by the nuns who taught her in high school: to leave the world greater and more beautiful than when it was given to us. She indeed fulfilled that promise. 

Biographical information about Supreme Judicial Court Justice Barbara A. Lenk