Constance Elora Carter

Constance Elora Carter

Constance (Connie) Elora Carter, outstanding psychiatric social worker in Western Washington, passed away May 16, 2018 after a courageous battle with a digestive infection, at age 84. Connie, a Chicago native graduated with a BS in psychiatric social work from Roosevelt University. Connie received her Masters Degree in Psychiatric Social Work from Loyola.

Among her many accomplishments, Connie was known for helping people navigate the treacherous vicissitudes of life, and helping others cope with the twists and turns, ups and downs they might encounter. In short, she made people feel safe at the most vulnerable points. An excellent life coach, she was able to rebuild one's self-confidence after it had been badly bruised.

She and husband Arlington Carter married in 1959 shortly after she began working for the state of Illinois' welfare system. They moved to Seattle in 1961 when Connie accepted a position at the Martha Washington School for Delinquent Girls. Connie was so affective she was appointed Superintendent of Social Work for both Martha Washington School for Delinquent Girls and Luther Burbank School for Delinquent Boys on Mercer Island. Later, the entire institution was relocated to Echo Glen Children's Center for Delinquent Girls and Boys in Snoqualmie, Washington.

Connie earned a reputation as an excellent leader as she served as executive director (of social work) at Martha Washington and Luther Burbank School for Boys; Echo Glen Children's Center social work executive director; and the Central Area Mental Health Center.

Connie left Echo Glen Children's Center to become the Executive Director of Central Area Mental Health Center in 1970. Later she moved the center to Mount Baker. After several years, Connie teamed up with Jan Wallace to develop their own office, Carter & Wallace Social Work in downtown Seattle and worked until 2012.

She was very active assisting community groups as she served on the Boards of Big Brothers, The Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, and the YWCA. Her participation in social organizations included National Association of Social Workers, Engineers Wives Club, the Couples Club, Northwest African American Art Museum, Museum of History & Industry, Seattle Arts Museum, Woodland Park Zoo and the NAACP.

Predeceased by brother Phillip, Connie is survived by husband Arlington, cousins Isabel Brazier, Vernona, Joy Shepard, nephews Philip, Christopher, Steven, niece Alexandria, great-nephews Justin and Jalen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to New Beginnings, which supports victims of domestic violence, at P.O. Box 75125, Seattle WA 98175.

A celebration of life will be held 11A.M., Saturday, June 16 at the Sand Point Country Club

8333 - 55th Ave. NE, Seattle.