Last week in Washington, I had the privilege of attending what would sadly turn out to be one of the final events hosted by the legendary Esther Coopersmith: a whiskey tasting to promote more tech equality and accessibility for people with disabilities. It was a party befitting the graciousness and life-long philanthropy of its host, who died Tuesday at 94. 

Coopersmith, a former lobbyist turned fundraiser turned socialite and political connector, is credited for bringing together the Camp David Accords when she fostered a relationship between Jehan Sadat, the wife of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and Aliza Begin, the wife of Israeli Prime Minister, Menachem Begin. And it’s no surprise that great stateswomen from Hillary Clinton to Nancy Pelosi issued statements to honor her legacy. Coopersmith would host legendary salons and dinner parties, introducing every single person at the table. She also hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for orphaned young political staffers who had nowhere to go for the holiday. “I do it because I love the activity, the excitement, I love to mix people up, I love sharing my home,” she told the Times in 1987. “In New York if you have a lot of money you can buy your way into anything. Here [in Washington] it is power that counts—what your position is or could be.” Connie Coopersmith, her daughter, is expected to carry on the tradition for her mother. These days, Connie is doing advance work for Biden.