Baylor Mourns Law School Librarian

January 8, 2007
News Photo 3915

During her 33 years of service to Baylor Law School, Susan Kendrick cared for the numerous items of memorabilia in the Leon Jaworski Memorial Office. Here, she displays a plaque presented to the former Watergate Special Prosecutor and 1925 Baylor law graduate in 1975 by the Society of Former FBI Special Agents.

Susan Kendrick, the Baylor Law School librarian described as a "remarkable inspiration" to all as she fought a long battle with ovarian cancer, passed away at her home Saturday, Jan. 6. She was 56. A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church following cremation with private interment.
In her 34th year of service to Baylor Law School, Kendrick's ever cheerful and determined attitude constantly impressed her Baylor colleagues. Diagnosed in 2004 with stage 3 ovarian cancer, she underwent surgery, but, since July 2005, had to resume weekly trips to Dallas for treatment.
"She always had a smile on her face for everyone she encountered, an optimistic and forward-looking perspective, and a kind word for all," said Dean Brad Toben. "Over the last two years, during the course of her illness, Susan came to the office each day, including up until the Christmas break, unless she had a treatment scheduled or was exceptionally ill, for a full day of work, even despite the advanced stages of her illness. She was a remarkable inspiration to each of us."
In September last year, Baylor Law School surprised Kendrick by dedicating the reference/reading area on the first level of the law school library in her honor and in memory of former librarian, the late Della Geyer. Described by Kendrick as her "friend and mentor in law librarianship," Geyer passed away in 1999 after 35 years of service from 1956 to 1991.
Second only to Professor David Guinn as the longest-serving, full-time member of the law school family (Guinn has completed more than 40 years of service), Kendrick was hired in 1973 by Geyer as an assistant law librarian. At the time of her death, Kendrick served as the cataloging and government documents librarian.
Acknowledging the tributes from her Law School colleagues at the September library dedication ceremony, Kendrick said she loved Baylor Law School "so dearly." She added, "It's like being part of a true, caring family."
A 1972 graduate of Baylor, Kendrick later received a master of library science degree from the University of North Texas. She was a member of the Southwestern Association of Law Libraries and the American Association of Law Libraries. In 1986, she was elected to Outstanding Young Women of America.