Courtney Shah Obituary, Longview, Washington — Dr. Courtney Shah, a seven-time Jeopardy! champion and longtime history instructor at Lower Columbia College, has died after battling brain cancer. She was 52. Her death was announced by her daughter, Maya Shah, who shared that Dr. Shah passed away peacefully at home on July 22 while receiving hospice care after chemotherapy and radiation treatments were no longer effective.
Shah became widely known to television audiences in 2021 during an impressive seven-game winning streak on Jeopardy!, earning more than $118,000 in prize money. Her remarkable performance secured her a place in the 2022 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions, where she advanced to the quarterfinals and finished third. Her calm presence, quick recall, and depth of knowledge made her a memorable competitor and earned her admiration from trivia fans across the country.
Away from the game show stage, Dr. Shah devoted nearly two decades to teaching history at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington. The college remembered her as a gifted educator who had a unique ability to make history engaging and meaningful for her students. Colleagues and former students also reflected on her warmth, humour, and commitment to creating an inclusive classroom where every voice was valued.
According to statements shared by her family, Dr. Shah was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year. She underwent radiation and chemotherapy before doctors determined that the treatments were no longer working. She entered hospice care at home in March, where she remained surrounded by loved ones during her final months.
Lower Columbia College paid tribute to Dr. Shah’s lasting impact on both the campus and the wider Longview community. In addition to her teaching, the college noted her involvement in hosting trivia nights and participating in the Community Conversations series, describing her as someone who brought people together through learning and meaningful discussion. The institution also highlighted a 2025 Faculty of the Year nomination that praised her intelligence, kindness, and respect for others.
Tributes have also poured in from members of the Jeopardy! community and fans who remembered Dr. Shah not only for her success on the quiz show but also for the humility and generosity she displayed throughout her life. Maya Shah encouraged those wishing to honour her mother’s memory to share stories about her, tell loved ones they care about them, and cherish time with family and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Dr. Shah’s life is scheduled to take place on Monday, August 10, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Rose Center for the Arts on the Lower Columbia College campus. As family, friends, former students, colleagues, and fans mourn her passing, Dr. Courtney Shah is remembered for her extraordinary intellect, dedication to education, and the lasting influence she had both in the classroom and on the Jeopardy! stage. Her legacy continues through the countless lives she inspired, and heartfelt condolences remain with all who knew and loved her.
