Dr. Catherine Ann Clancy, age 75, died on December 31st, 2020. She was the only child born to Louis and Bina Clancy on November 20, 1945 in Palestine Texas.Catherine is survived by several cousins and multiple devoted friends, colleagues, and caregivers. Catherine attended St. Agnes Academy and was a proud member of the last class to graduate from the “Old School” on Fannin Street. She went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Houston, and her Ph.D. in Allied Health Education from Texas A & M University. A revered teacher, colleague and mentor, Dr. Clancy spent her career in the Houston medical community, retiring from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center as the social work training director where she guided and supervised social work students from eight social work schools from across the country. Dr. Clancy taught at the University of Houston, Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas , and Smith . While she received several awards and honors throughout her career, most meaningful was the prestigious Day-Garrett Award presented by Smith College School of Social Work for outstanding contribution to the profession of social work and the Smith educational community. As the first Chair of the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners and specialist in clinical ethics and supervision, Dr. Clancy co-wrote the State of Texas social work regulations. She also served as Co-Chair of the Examination Committee for the American Association of State Social Work Boards. She found satisfaction and enjoyment in supervising newly graduated social work students towards licensure and teaching advanced supervision to seasoned social workers. Dr. Clancy also maintained a private practice working with individuals, couples, and groups. Catherine served on several boards throughout the community and had a special affinity for those dealing with homelessness and the needs of women on parole. She had a passion for symphony, found great pleasure and company with her two felines, and loved entertaining her friends and colleagues over good food and wine. She had an appreciation for the lectures and various events at the Houston Philosophical Society at Rice University and enjoyed, and supported, multiple events at the Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas.
In Memoriam