ALVIN – It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of Vicki (Porter) de la Guardia, LMSW, on September 21, 2024, at home with her family.

Vicki was born in Houston, Tx, on May 30, 1950. As a child her family moved to Lake Jackson, where Vicki graduated from Brazosport High School in 1968.

Vicki was a highly accomplished individual, earning multiple degrees including an Associates of Applied Science in Child Development from the College of the Mainland, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Thomas Edison State College, and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Houston.

Throughout her career, Vicki also served as a leader in various non-profit and public service organizations, including teaching at Our Lady of Lourdes in Hitchcock, being a Center Director at Alvin HeadStart, the Program Director at Children’s Center in Galveston, and a consultant trainer for Initiatives for Children in Houston. Her leadership and vision improved the lives of children and families, strengthening communities and creating lasting change.

Vicki’s career as a social worker was marked by her clinical expertise and empathy. She interned as a psychiatric social worker at Methodist Hospital and became the primary social worker/psychotherapist at Pasadena Bayshore Psychiatric Unit. At the Faust Psychiatric clinic, she worked with families and individuals of all ages from children to elders. She worked as a primary therapist and social worker in various roles, from The Watershed Treatment Program of Clear Lake to Devereux Texas Treatment Program in League City. Her work ranged from crisis planning to family counseling, serving clients of all ages with care and dedication.

Her rich career also included post-secondary teaching, including roles as an Associate Professor of Sociology and Social Work at the College of the Mainland and a Professor of Public Service Administration at San Jacinto College. Vicki was a Senior Lecturer and Program Director for Public Service Leadership at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) from 2005 until the end of 2016. Her contributions were nothing short of transformative, launching the Public Service Leadership degree program, developing new curricula, and creating courses that continue to shape future leaders in public service. Her dedication to students was evident in the time and effort she put into advising and coaching, helping them navigate both academic and professional paths.

Vicki identified herself through her work and family.  With all the different experiences and positions she obtained, she frequently said that nothing was as important or meant as much to her as being a wife, a mother, and a grandmother.

Vicki is survived by her husband Tony de la Guardia of Alvin, Tx; daughter, Shelley Castro and her husband Jorge of New Rochelle, NY; son, Robert Chadwick Jr. and his wife Crystal of Alvin; plus, five beloved grandchildren: Tucker, Jane, Ellie, and Bowen Chadwick of Alvin and Oliver Castro of New Rochelle, NY.

Vicki de la Guardia will be remembered for her passion for service, her tireless work ethic, her profound impact on those she served and her love of family. Her wisdom, warmth, and leadership will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on through the lives she touched.

A private celebration of life was held by the family on September 22, 2024, with ashes placed with her parents’ graves at Hayes Grace Memorial Park.