Cathy Smith

Cathy Smith died November 21, 2005. Cathy was born March 20, 1948, in Long Beach, New York. She received her BA from Boston University and her MSW from Arizona State University and was a physical education teacher in the Isaacs School District in West Phoenix for a number of years prior to her becoming a remarkable psychotherapist. She founded the inpatient codependency program at West Valley Camelback Hospital and later established a private practice in Phoenix. In addition to her career, Cathy was also an accomplished writer, and her stories and essays were published in Sun, Cure, Hope, and the Women's Seder Source Book 2003. She was also a storyteller to children in book stores, and she wrote stories for her own grandchildren with whom she had much happiness. Cathy is survived by her husband Dr, Neil Sapin, her daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Stan Betters, her stepdaughters Jennifer and Lindsay Sapin, her grandchildren Adam and Violet Betters and Maya Sapin. Her son Brian predeceased her. She is also survived by her mother Helen Zisser-Sher, her brother Michael Tash and his wife Beth and daughter Rachael, her father Irving Tash, her stepfather Manny Zisser and her stepbrothers Michael, Peter, Paul, and Steven Zisser. In addition, she is survived by aunts and uncles Sandy and Roz Count, Babs and Derek Davis, cousins Laurie Gilburne, Caroline Count, Andrew Giiburne, and Gary Count. Dr. Susan Maxwell said it best when she wrote, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being an inspiration, a beacon of authenticity, and a spiritual light. All these you will never cease to be." A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 23rd at 1:00 p.m. at Temple Chai, located at 4645 E. Marilyn Road. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, Az, 85014, or The American Cancer Society, 2929 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016. Arrangements by Sinai Mortuary.