REMEMBERING

Remembering Susan Stone

by Jean Matulis, Susan Shaler, and Stephen Stone

A slightly edited version of this tribute appeared in the Spring 2017 California Appellate Defense Counsel Newsletter -- Susan was an active member of the CADC.)

Our colleague Susan Stone died of ALS on December 21, 2016. Susan was an incredible person and attorney. Her piercing intellect and compassionate heart made her a treasure in law and in life. Her first law job was as a research attorney in the Second Appellate District, Division 5, from 1978-1980. The legendary Justice Otto Kaus became a mentor to Susan and guided her career. After working for ten years in the private sector as a civil attorney, Susan came full circle in 1990, and began her work as a well-respected appellate attorney. One of her memorable achievements was having a client’s case severed from a co-defendant who had been her abuser.

What set Susan apart was her integrity, kindness, and joy. She was generous with colleagues and friends, providing insights and assistance without hesitation. She loved the CADC forums. Several appellate justices before whom Susan regularly appeared expressed great sadness to hear of her passing, stating she had a brilliant mind and had really helped them in reaching their decisions. One of them who had known her for many years was actually moved to tears.

Susan was married for 30 years to Stephen Stone, a psychotherapist. Susan and Stephen supported each other in times of challenge in their respective practices and were deeply appreciative of the dedication each other had to the ideals of her and his profession.

After her diagnosis, Susan told a friend that, although she had been surrounded by love and support by many friends in the community, she feared that after a while they would forget about her. These fears were for nought. Susan remained surrounded by throngs of friends and supporters, who felt certain they got more out of Susan’s presence then they actually brought. As Susan became physically weaker, her spirit became stronger and more vibrant.

And Susan was fun. She retained an amazing childlike ability to find joy. Walking with friends on the central coast of California was one such pleasure, for her and for them. When Susan no longer controlled her own voice, she used a computer generated voice - in different genders and accents - to talk and joke as always. A few days before she died, she had her picture taken sitting in her neighbor's amazing Porsche race car at a time when she had to be lifted in and out of the car. The smile on her face was pure joy. Pure Susan. The world is a better place for Susan's having been in it, and her friends are better people for having known her.

Leave It To Susan Passover 2017

When our family gathers for our annual Passover Seder, I try to wear, or include something on the table or in the room from our parents, grandparents.and loved ones. Mentioning those ithings to everyone helps me to feel good that we are keeping them with us. As we chant the blessing, The handmade lace doily that our mother Clara Margulius made when a girl in Romania, is on my head,. The full standing portrait I painted of my father, Irving Brendze is hanging on the wall, and I am wearing my mother’s cheerful floral scarf, as well as silver necklace that Susan left for me. It was one of the very special box of clothing, scarfs, and jewelry she either knew or intuited that I would like.

Leave it to Susan to be sensitive enough to get those gifts just right! Leave it to Susan to set the example that it is not only ok, but a wonderfully caring and thoughtful thing to do to organize and gift special things to family and friends at the end her life; gifts of memory and appreciation. I am so grateful for her example..

I have Susan in my heart each week as I wear and enjoy her many beautiful gifts.

She remains very present and dear to me on many levels. She stood out “Amoungst the Madding Crowd,” and I wish she can know how much i appreciate who she was.

Cousin Marilyn Margulius

Susan had a bright, caring, vibrant personality. She would light up all that was around her.

Her strength and courage in facing the diagnosis and in facing the disease was inspiring.

We will always remember her smile and her caring eyes. The world has lost one of the good ones.

Carol and Herb Golub