“It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Susan Breshears Bayh after a long and courageous fight against glioblastoma and its complications. Susan was an incredible person who led a life full of love, courage, and accomplishment.
“Susan excelled academically and professionally. She earned a degree in political science from the University of California at Berkeley and a law degree from the University of Southern California. She practiced law at two of our nation’s most distinguished law firms, at Eli Lilly (Indiana’s largest employer), and served on the board of directors for several companies in biotechnology, telecommunications, and healthcare.
“She served on the Board of Trustees at Butler University and taught as a visiting professor for several years in the fields of business, environmental affairs, and law. She also served on the Dean’s Council at Indiana University’s Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. In addition, she worked as Adjusted Professor for her law school alma mater, USC, placing law students in public service internships and providing mentorship.
“In 1994, Susan was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the International Joint Commission and served for six years overseeing issues arising between the United States and Canada.
“Susan was the 46th First Lady of Indiana and the youngest in 150 years, assuming the role when only 29 years old.  She worked tirelessly to support her husband’s initiatives and established a 401(c)3 charitable organization to combat adult illiteracy in the Hoosier state.  She made countless speeches, gave numerous interviews, and attended innumerable public events as an active First Lady.  Governor Bayh would often say that ‘Hoosiers voted for Susan’s husband.’
“She was beautiful.  She was selected Miss Southern California in 1978, was a princess in the Rose Bowl Parade that year, and was a cheerleader at Cal her senior year in college.
“Susan was a model of courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.  Throughout her 2-year, eight-month battle against cancer, she never once complained or expressed self-pity.  Despite a multitude of hardships, she continued to display her exuberance, happiness, and love for others.  Her fortitude was truly unbelievable and an example for us all.
“But above all, Susan was a loving spouse, mother, child, sibling, and friend.  She and her husband, Evan, were happily married for more than 35 years.  They were blessed with twin sons, Beau and Nick, and the couple became the first Governor and First Lady to have children while in office in the last century.  Their sons are both officers in the United States military, have undergraduate degrees from Harvard University, and are currently completing degrees at Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School respectively.  There has never been a more devoted and loving mother or spouse than Susan Bayh.
“Susan’s passing leaves the world a darker place, but Heaven has gained a shining star and the firmament will be the brighter for her presence there.  We will love and miss her always.
“Susan is survived by her husband, Evan, her sons, Nick and Beau, her parents, Bob and Carol Breshears, and her siblings, Bob Jr., Ann, and Linda, and numerous nieces and nephews.â€
Statements of friends and dignitaries about the Susan Bayh passing:I
Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb
“Janet and I were saddened to learn about the passing of former First Lady Susan Bayh. She was an extraordinary and radiant public servant, wife, mother and friend, who leaves a remarkable impact on our state and nation. I ask all Hoosiers to join us in praying and being there for the Bayh family.â€
INDIANAPOLIS MAYOR JOE HOGETT
“For more than a half-century, and across three generations, the Bayh family has given itself to this state and our country. A talented lawyer, Susan exemplified this spirit of service as First Lady, opening the doors of the Governor’s Residence and inviting the people of Indiana to share in her and Evan’s joy as they became parents to Beau and Nick. In recent years, Susan continued to inspire as she battled cancer with characteristic fearlessness – even as her sons enlisted in the military and swore oaths to support and defend the Constitution on our behalf.
“As with so many today, I am saddened by the loss of my friend but heartened at the legacy of leadership Susan has left to her family and a grateful Hoosier State. Steph and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Evan, Beau, Nick, and the entire Bayh family.
U.S. Sen. Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana, on Twitter
“My heart breaks for the Bayh family. Susan was an accomplished attorney who loved serving our state as First Lady. But she found even more joy in raising her twin boys. I appreciate the kindness the family has shown me over the years, & I’m praying for them in their time of griefâ€.  “I’m reminded today of the time when I was getting to know Susan as our husbands teamed up in 1988. I recall her eagerness and vigor as she was starting her law career, her family and in her role as Indiana’s First Lady. She was magnetic and her energy came through in all she did. Her grace as she faced this battle with cancer these last few years was an inspiration. Our O’Bannon family heart aches today, as Hoosiers have lost one of our champions and a friend, and our thoughts and prayers are with Evan, Nick and Beau at this difficult time.â€
Former Indiana First Lady Judy O’Bannon Willsey
I am saddened to learn of the passing of former Indiana First Lady Susan Bayh. She was always a bright face to see at the Statehouse and throughout our state. She led Hoosiers by example and always wanted what was best for Indiana. My heart goes out to the Bayh family and I encourage Hoosiers everywhere to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Republican
Karen and I were truly saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, former Indiana First Lady Susan Bayh. We send our deepest sympathies and prayers to her devoted husband, Evan, their sons Beau and Nick, and their entire family during this difficult time. Susan Bayh lived a truly extraordinary life, and she will be remembered for her great service to Indiana and our Nation. In public service, in her professional life and philanthropy, Susan Bayh made a difference in the lives of generations of Hoosiers, and she will be deeply missed. In the face of serious illness, her tenacious spirit and optimism inspired us all. Susan Bayh loved her family, our state and her friends with a smile and irrepressible optimism that will never be forgotten. Karen and I will be praying for Evan, their sons, family and all who loved and cherished this truly remarkable Hoosier. God bless Susan Bayh.
