Clarksville resident Caryn Deborah Lasser, former deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging, passed away Dec. 18 after being diagnosed with brain cancer in April of 2023.
She was 64.
“Caryn was an extremely devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and public servant who dedicated her life to improving her community and having a meaningful impact on the lives of others,” her family wrote on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros. “Caryn’s resilience and joy for life were a constant, and she remains an inspiration to all who knew her. Her unwavering positive attitude and optimism throughout her illness exemplifies the fortitude and leadership consistently demonstrated in all aspects of her life.”
A Duke University graduate who earned a master’s degree in computer science from Case Western Reserve University, Lasser created policies and strategies aimed at enhancing the lives of older adults as deputy secretary for the Department of Aging.
She previously served as deputy chief of staff for former Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman, where she spearheaded initiatives to improve the quality of life for county residents and visitors.
In addition, Lasser served as director of executive services and as coordinator for strategic planning and system improvement for the Howard County Public School System.
She also served as secretary to the principal at Clarksville Middle School, where she was instrumental in securing the school’s national Blue Ribbon recognition.
Lasser was honored with HCPSS’s Friend of Education Award for her “innovative or unique contribution that directly supports the school system’s mission of excellence in teaching and learning, supports student achievement, and is significant in scope.”
Earlier in her career, Lasser contributed to software design and development at AT&T Bell Laboratories.
Even more than her many professional and volunteer endeavors, Lasser was highly committed to her family.
“She coached her sons’ basketball teams, planned trips with the whole family all over the country and world, and loved spending family time,” wrote her family. “Her commitment to supporting her sons was unmatched as she spent many enjoyable summers with them as a ‘Camp Mom’ on staff at Camp Airy, one of her favorite places. Her favorite respite was relaxing together with the family in Bethany Beach.
“Caryn built a Jewish household filled with many family traditions and delicious holiday meals. She took pride in raising children with integrity, Jewish values, and strong character.”
Lasser is survived by her husband, Dr. Michael Lasser; sons Jeff, Phil (Aimee), and Ricky (Emily) Lasser; granddaughter Maisie Lasser; brother Joel (Nancy) Kaufman, and extended family members and friends.
A funeral service for Lasser will be held this Sunday, Dec. 22, at noon at Temple Isaiah, 12200 Scaggsville Road in Fulton. Interment will be at King David Memorial Gardens, 7482 Lee Highway in Falls Church, Virginia.
Following interment, the family will return to Temple Isaiah to observe shiva with a minyan service at 7 p.m. Shiva will continue Monday and Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. (with a 7 p.m. minyan service) at the Lasser family home at 6504 Drifting Cloud Mews in Clarksville.
Donations in her memory can be made to Leadership Howard County, 6760 Alexander Bell, Suite 260, Columbia, Maryland 21046; Neighbor Ride, 5570 Sterrett Place, Columbia, Maryland 21044; or Camps Airy & Louise, 5750 Park Heights Avenue, Suite 306, Baltimore, Maryland 21215.
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