Susan Stamberg, an original National Public Radio (NPR) staffer who went on to become the first U.S. woman to anchor a nightly national news program, died Oct. 16. She was 87.

Colleagues considered her a mentor, a matchmaker, a founding mother — always tough, and always true to herself. Stamberg’s stories and segments over the decades spanned the human experience, from examining matters of state to illuminating pointillist details of artistic achievement. She was recognized by her peers with honors from the National Radio Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and more. She retired in September.

She will be remembered as the host of “All Things Considered” and “Weekend Edition Sunday.” She is also credited with bringing on the air a pair of brothers who were mechanics, Ray and Tom Magliozzi, to talk about cars. Nine months later, they had their own show on NPR, “Car Talk.”

Stamberg leaves a legacy as a truth teller and a spinner of stories. More tangibly, she leaves a mark on NPR’s headquarters in Washington: Her recorded voice welcomes those who enter the elevators, announcing each floor.