Early this morning Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, an Illinois icon, passed away at the age of 70. In a released statement, State Senator Mattie Hunter remembered Topinka's contributions to women, minorities and the state as a whole.

"My condolences go out to Judy Baar Topinka's family and loved one during this difficult time. Judy was a strong and respected leader in Illinois. She had many friends and supporters from the African-American community. She will be missed, though her legacy of passionate independence and fierce loyalty lives on."

Topinka served as the Illinois state comptroller for three years and was the first woman to become state treasurer, serving in the position for 12 years. The Chicago native gained a reputation for leading the state in a bipartisan fashion and holding a strong commitment to her job.

The memory and legacy of Judy Baar Topinka will forever shape the state's history.