Susan Anne Stone

Susan Anne Stone Susan Anne Stone was born in McAllen, Texas August 14, 1959. She died here in Austin on September 8, 2013. Susan graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in History in 1982. She went on to attend UT Law School graduating in 1985. From there it was on to UT Health Science Center, Houston to receive her MD in 1990. She became a licensed attorney in 1986, but felt there was more for her to do to help those most in need. She went on to become a licensed physician in 1990. Susan went on to become a psychiatrist through UT Health Science Center and subsequently began to merge her passions for the law and medicine serving those with mental illnesses caught up in the criminal justice system. She was a tireless and courageous advocate for those most in need. She was fearless in her work with the US Department of Justice and local law enforcement agencies entering jails and prisons most would prefer to avoid. Using expertise in law, mediation and medicine, she provided a unique perspective to consensus building, training, planning, evaluation and public policy endeavors. She had substantial experience with regard to the interface between criminal justice and mental health issues. Susan was also an avid horseman from her earliest days and always recalled her hunter-jumper days with fondness. For several years during her time in Houston she was the lead vocalist in a bluegrass band and maintained her love of music always. Susan's accomplishments are too broad and extensive to be listed here, but some of her efforts included developing a Veteran's Behavioral Health Initiative in Houston, working with the Hogg Foundation to reduce restraint and seclusion of people with psychiatric illnesses and working in the most recent legislative session to bring needed reforms to the Texas Mental Health Code. Susan is survived by her mother, Murray, her brothers Bill and Nathan, her two children to whom she was devoted, Jack and Kate, and her husband Jim Van Norman. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at St. Mary's of the Assumption in String Prairie, Texas at 10 am. A gathering will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be submitted to Austin Travis County Integral Care (www.integralcare.org).