Judith Grant McKelvey-Shaw

Judith Grant McKelvey-Shaw Judy McKelvey-Shaw of Greenbrae, California died on August 10 after an extended illness. The loss to her husband, stepchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews, and to a large number of beloved friends and colleagues is incalculable. Judy was born and brought up in Wauwatosa, WI. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin and subsequently from their Law School in 1959. As a newly minted attorney, Judy moved to Washington, DC to work for the FCC. After several years of FCC work, and marriage to Stuart McKelvey, they moved to San Francisco in 1968. During her study for the California Bar, she began teaching at Golden Gate University School of Law and remained there through 2000. Judy became Dean of the Law School in 1974 and served in that capacity through 1981. Judy was only the second woman in the US to become dean of an ABA accredited law school. She was an outstanding role model for women in the professions and actively recruited female candidates as law students and law faculty. During Dean Judy's tenure, the percentage of women entering law school rose dramatically, a new Law Library was built, and GGU achieved national status, including AALS accreditation. During this time, Judy also helped form California Women Lawyers in 1974 and became its president in 1975-1976. As a peer stated, "No one did more to advance women, either in legal education or in the practice of law, than Judy McKelvey." After stepping down from the deanship, she continued teaching until her retirement in 2000. Judy is survived by her long time partner and husband, Dr. Robert Shaw, by his four children, Jennifer, Stephanie, Johanna and Robert, Jr., and their families, by two sisters, Jaye Stedman and Joyce Zimmerman, and by several nieces and nephews. Judy and Bob shared extraordinary adventures, including travel, theatre, art, ballet, and excellent food and wine. They experienced a love of life together, with intellectual and artistic curiosity at the forefront. For those lucky enough to have had Judy in their lives, that enrichment will never be forgotten. A memorial celebration will be held Sunday, October 5, 2014 from 2:00-4:00 PM, at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., San Francisco. Contributions in Judy's memory may be made to Golden Gate University School of Law Judith McKelvey Scholarship Fund or to KQED, both in San Francisco, California. R.I.P. Darling Judy