Maria Ann Clancy

Maria Ann Clancy was born to Juan and Manuela Fernandez on September 20, 1951 in Los Angeles and grew up with three brothers and four sisters. She was particularly devoted to her parents and her oldest sister, Adriana, who passed away from cancer one year ago. In this era she faced significant prejudices and her family’s means were limited but their love was not. She was raised Catholic and remained loyal to their teachings and kindness.

Maria and her husband Todd Clancy met on the campus of Caltech in Pasadena and were married there on July 7, 1979. They shared the closest of loving bonds for 44 years until her passing from cancer on June 4, 2023.

Maria was always interested in health care and served as a candy striper at Los Angeles General Hospital, where she was recognized as volunteer of the year at the young age of 16. In later years she would provide hospice care for her cousin, her brother-in-law, her mother, and her sister. She would learn histology at Caltech in Pasadena, phlebotomy at Boulder Hospital in Colorado, and become an EMT at Bald Head Island, Southport, and Shallotte, North Carolina. She was extremely diligent and skilled at these medical services and widely respected for her dedication to professional care. In addition to her medical pursuits, Maria was an exceptional and multifaceted artist, as a quilter, a painter, and a fabricator of jewelry. She was a founding member of the Bald Head Island Quilters and Art League and a dear friend of that community.

Maria is survived by her husband, Todd Clancy; two daughters, Jennifer Jenkins and Diana Hand; and two sons, Drew and Coe Clancy, who love her dearly and have provided her three granddaughters and seven grandsons. These children and grandchildren are her most prized accomplishments and they are indeed wonderful treasures. In passing, she leaves the world a better place and we are forever grateful for her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be designated to the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, 715 Nazareth Street, Raleigh, NC 27606. There will be a private graveside service for Maria at Raleigh Memorial Park.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.