Senior Judge Rosemary Pooler of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit died Wednesday at 85, the court's clerk confirmed Thursday, bringing an end to a vibrant 25-year career on the appellate court.

"This is a heartrending loss for our Court and our judges," Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston said in a statement. "Judge Pooler was a leader – a distinguished jurist who, by her example and wise counsel, helped open doors for so many others in the legal profession. She was devoted to public service, to fairness, and to equal justice for all. Her persuasive skills, her commitment to her craft, and, above all, her devotion to this Court, were unparalleled. She was also our very dear friend. We will miss her."