Dolores G. Clement, a prominent figure in healthcare education and administration, passed away peacefully at her home in Richmond, Virginia, on August 21, 2025, after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer. Born on March 28, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, she dedicated her life to improving healthcare systems and mentoring future leaders in the field.
A Legacy of Education and Service
Dolores was the daughter of Marjorie Hogue Gurnick and Raymond Stephen Gurnick. She is remembered not only by her family, including her stepdaughter Janet Heide Clement and grandchild Ryan Hunter Grice, but also by her extensive network of friends and colleagues. Her beloved husband, Samuel A. Clement, predeceased her, along with her parents and stepdaughter, Karin Denise Grice.
Growing up as the third oldest in a family of ten, Dolores developed strong family values that guided her throughout her life. She was supported by her siblings, who took turns caring for her during her illness. Her siblings include John Bothwell, Maureen Shekleton, Henry Gurnick, and others who cherished her deeply.
After completing her studies at Mount St. Joseph College, Dolores joined the Peace Corps, serving for eight years in Sierra Leone. Her experiences there sparked her passion for healthcare management, leading her to pursue advanced degrees, including a Master of Science in Health Systems Management from Rush University and a Doctorate in Health Policy and Administration from the University of California, Berkeley.
Impact on Healthcare Education
Dolores enjoyed a distinguished career at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where she spent over three decades in the Department of Health Administration. She held various leadership roles, including Associate Dean in the School of Allied Health Professions, and was instrumental in developing joint degree programs.
Her dedication to education was recognized through numerous awards for teaching excellence. The MHA graduating classes of 2015 and 2016 established a scholarship fund in her name, encouraging students to commit to community service—a testament to her influence as a mentor.
“Dolores was widely acknowledged as a leader in the healthcare community,” said a colleague, reflecting on her lasting impact.
As a board-certified healthcare manager and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Dolores contributed to the healthcare field well beyond the classroom. She served as the ACHE Regent for Central Virginia from 2014 to 2017 and held positions on various boards, including the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), where she received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her research focused on significant issues such as healthcare benefits, community health, and quality improvement in elderly care. She authored numerous articles in academic journals and served on the editorial board of Health Administration Press.
Dolores and her husband shared philanthropic interests, establishing charitable funds to support ethical studies in healthcare. They enjoyed a vibrant social life, participating in community events, traveling, and caring for their rescue pets, including a dog named Skylar, who provided comfort during her illness.
Despite her health challenges, Dolores remained active and adventurous, fulfilling her travel dreams with family and friends to destinations like Iceland and Alaska.
In her journal, she penned five guiding principles for happiness that she encouraged others to embrace:
- Free your heart from hatred – Forgive
- Free your mind from worries – Most never happen
- Live simply and appreciate what you have
- Give more
- Expect less
A memorial visitation will be held at Bliley’s Funeral Home in Richmond on September 4 from 16:00 to 19:00. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on September 5 at 11:00, followed by interment. A livestream of the service will be available on www.blileys.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity of choice, the Dr. Dolores G. Clement Scholarship Fund at the MCV Foundation, or the Shekleton Clement Families Fund for Gerontologic Studies at Rush University.
Dolores G. Clement leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and love that will continue to inspire future generations.
