Susanne Shay

Dr. Shay was born on September 23, 1954 in Philadelphia, to parents, Izak and Bella Shay. Throughout her life, Sue was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and great aunt, beloved by all members of her family. Her kindness and generosity were legendary, as was her brilliant sense of humor and her wit that did not tolerate fools gladly. She had a passionate interest in politics and longed to see justice and fairness prevail. Throughout her life, and especially in her retirement, Sue read voraciously and enjoyed every minute.

Sue’s education includes a BS (magna cum laude), an MS, and a PhD, all from Temple University. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the effects of defendant character attractiveness and juror authoritarianism on juror decision making. She brought this academic background and acumen, coupled with a brilliant literary skills, to her professional work in data management for studies conducted by CEFES/LECG from 2011 until her retirement from BLDS in 2022. Susie had supervisory responsibility for all survey research conducted by the Center for Forensic Economic Studies, LECG, and BLDS, and also worked on a variety of lending discrimination and employment discrimination cases for the US Department of Justice and for state governments and was chief investigator for independent primary research for clients in the private sector.

Sue’s colleagues at work were an extended family for her and even into her retirement years, these relationships remained meaningful, deep, and abiding. She will be profoundly missed by friends, colleagues, and family, all of whom benefitted from her beautiful nature.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Izak and Bella Shay, as well as her dearly beloved brother, Seymour, who died in 2011.

She is survived by her brother, Alex Shay, brother Joseph Shay and wife Laura Zimmerman and their son, Kevin Shay and wife Gabria Fischer Shay, as well as grandnephews, Gibson Shay and Alder Shay, whom she adored as evidenced by dozens of photos in her apartment.

A memorial service for Dr. Shay will be held Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Lamb Funeral Home Inc., 101 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania 19006. Following the memorial service will be a graveside service at 1:00 PM at Shalom Memorial Park, 3573 Pine Road, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to HIAS at HIAS.org.