Suzanne Lynn Sirota Waller, a longtime member, leader and activist in Columbia’s Jewish community, passed away last Friday, Sept. 12. She was 85.
“Suzanne had a unique joy for life, family, friends and community,” her family posted on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros. “She cherished learning and intellectual debate and seemed to be involved in everything. Her boundless energy was rarely surpassed, and she carried an enduring will to find and spread joy — even in her most difficult moments.”
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Waller grew up in Merrick on the South Shore of Long Island. From an early age, she displayed a strong interest in community and civic engagement, athletics, music, drama and performing arts.
At the age of 16, she attended Russell Sage College in Troy, New York, where she double majored in English and psychology. She also served as president of her graduating class.
Waller enjoyed the distinction of serving on the first female cheerleading squad for the Army Football team at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was introduced to the crowd as a “secret weapon” before the historic Army-Navy games.
Waller began her professional life as an English teacher in Baltimore. While raising their young children, she and her then-husband, Robert Waller, along with friends, opened an art gallery in Newark, Delaware, showcasing local artists.
After moving to Columbia, Waller attended the University of Baltimore School of Law and built a successful career as a management consultant to organizations navigating complex challenges.
As a pioneer of the progressive planned community of Columbia, Waller was among the area’s earliest residents. She was a co-founder of Columbia Jewish Congregation and served on its board of directors and myriad committees.
“She continued to participate in various roles with the congregation over the years, remaining an active presence in its growth and life,” her family wrote.
In addition, Waller served on the Town Center Village Board and as Town Center representative to the Columbia Council board of directors for the Columbia Association.
“Columbia was made for the likes of Suzanne,” noted her friend and associate, Columbia resident Fried Weaver. “She was the consummate citizen, activist and believer of Jim Rouse’s dream.”
A Francophile who was fluent in French, she was an early and active participant in the Columbia Association’s sister-city program with the French town of Cergy-Pontoise.
“She immensely enjoyed several trips to France with exchange students over the years and loved hosting the visiting student groups from Cergy-Pontoise when they came to Columbia,” her family wrote.
Waller was also a driving force in Columbia’s arts and cultural scene.
“She was an early organizer of the Columbia International Music Festival and helped organize juried art shows for the Columbia Association’s Art Center, supporting and celebrating the work of local artists,” her family posted. “Later in life, she delighted in introducing visitors to the collections of the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore as a docent.
“She was a tireless advocate on issues that mattered to her and her community, advocating for gun control, women’s rights, drug abuse prevention, protecting and beautifying Columbia’s open spaces, and many other causes that strengthened the community she loved. She particularly enjoyed working on local, national, and international issues alongside [CJC’s late rabbi emeritus] Rabbi Martin Siegel.
“Yet the role she enjoyed most was being a mother, grandmother, and aunt. Her greatest love was her children and her family.”
Waller is survived by her son, Andrew Waller and his wife Anne (McCauley) Waller of Grasonville, Maryland, her daughter, Pamela (Waller) Arlotta and her husband John Arlotta of Garden City, New York, and her son Elliott Waller and his wife Stefanie (Longo) Waller of Saddle River, New Jersey. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Garrett and Bryce Waller, Jack, Katherine and Ryan Arlotta, and Ava and Cameron Waller.
In addition, Waller is survived by her siblings, Gary Sirota of Massapequa Park, New York, and Ellen (Sirota) Krieger and her husband, Richard Krieger of Baltimore; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Albert Sirota and Adeline (Warratt) Sirota, and her sister-in-law, Chris Sirota.
A memorial service for Suzanne Waller will be held this Sunday, Sept. 21, at 10 a.m. at the Historic Oakland Manor, 5430 Vantage Point Road in Columbia. Immediately following the service, interment will take place at Columbia Memorial Park, 12005 Clarksville Pike in Clarksville. All are invited to join the family for a luncheon reception immediately following the interment at the Historic Oakland Manor.
Donations in Waller’s memory may be sent to the Columbia Jewish Congregation General Fund (columbiajewishcongregation.shulcloud.com/form/donations), 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, Maryland 21045.
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