Bayh’s family says she’s dead at age 61 after years of brain cancer treatments.
(Zach Herndon, WFIU/WTIU News)
Former Indiana first lady Susan Bayh, an attorney and wife of former Gov. Evan Bayh, died at age 61 after years of surgeries and treatments for brain cancer, her family announced Saturday.
Susan Bayh died Friday night in McLean, Virginia, a family spokesman said. She was Indiana’s first lady for eight years after her husband, a Democrat, became governor in 1988.
“Susan was an incredible person who led a life full of love, courage, and accomplishment. Susan excelled academically and professionally,” the family’s statement said. “But above all, Susan was a loving spouse, mother, child, sibling, and friend.”
Evan Bayh served two terms as governor before being elected to the U.S. Senate. The Bayhs have twin sons, Beau and Nick, who were born in 1995 while their father was governor.
Susan Bayh first underwent brain surgery in 2015 to remove a benign tumor. She later had multiple surgeries and radiation and immunotherapy treatments after a malignant glioblastoma was discovered in May 2018. That is the same type of aggressive brain cancer that killed Arizona Sen. John McCain in 2018.
Susan Bayh told reporters in 2019 that she was grateful for support she received during her health troubles.
“I think I’ve gotten probably more prayer letters from Indiana than anywhere,” she said. “It really doesn’t matter what religion it is, just as long as people are praying and keeping me up in somebody’s thoughts.”
Bayh grew up in California and met Evan Bayh while both were working in Washington in the early 1980s. They married in 1985 as he was following his father, former U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh, into Indiana politics, leading to his election at age 32 to become the nation’s youngest governor. Birch Bayh died in 2019.
Susan Bayh was an attorney who drew some criticism for her membership on several corporate boards while her husband held elected offices.
The Bayhs had lived in Washington since Evan Bayh was elected to the Senate in 1998. He didn’t seek election to a third Senate term in 2010. He launched an unexpected comeback bid in 2016 for the Senate but lost to Republican Todd Young.
"Janet and I were saddened to learn about the passing of former First Lady Susan Bayh," Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a statement. "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.”
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said that "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."
Hogsett added: "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."
