Rita Waters Alexander - Obituary

ita Waters Alexander, of Stevensville, Maryland, passed away on September 14, 2025, at the age of 66, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. She was at peace and surrounded by love in her final moments. Born on August 2, 1959, in Washington, D.C., Rita was the daughter of the late Iole Carmelina Smiroldo and Giuseppe Smiroldo. She was also preceded in death by her grandmother “Nonna” Maria Zizzo, grandfather “Nonno” Giuseppe Zizzo, and aunt “Zia” Concettina Santoro. She is survived by her husband, Robert Alexander; her children, Michelle Waters and Joseph Waters; and her stepdaughters, Roberta Alexander and Jody Alexander. Rita is also survived by her sister, Lucia Ferrante and husband Rick; her niece, Lexie Steele; her brother, Franco Smiroldo; and many cherished cousins: Lucia Santoro and daughter Giuliana, Pietro Santoro, Ricardo Santoro and wife Becky, Giovanni Santoro and wife Heather, along with all of their children and grandchildren. She leaves behind many other cousins and loved ones, including a large extended family in Sicily. Rita dedicated her life to children, education and advocacy, earning an Associate’s in Liberal Arts, a Bachelor’s in Education, and a Master’s in Education. Her career as an educator spanned over 35 years in which her focus and passion was in special education. She retired from Wildlake High School in Columbia, MD. Rita and her husband lived in Ellicott City, MD for 14 years. Many happy memories were made visiting their home in Rehoboth Beach, DE with family over the years. They retired to Bethany Beach, DE to continue enjoying coastal life together. Before Rita’s passing, they moved to Stevensville to be closer to family. Rita was a gentle soul and, although sometimes reserved, those closest to her deeply appreciated her genuine smile and unfiltered laugh. Quirky and exceptionally smart, she eagerly took any opportunity to teach or tutor family and friends. She had a lifelong passion for classic rock, which began as a young fan of The Beatles, The Who and The Rolling Stones. She also enjoyed trips to new places, valued spending time with family, was an avid reader, and found joy in cooking and gardening. Her warm heart spread love to so many through the years. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky to know her. Family and friends are invited to honor Rita's life on Monday, September 22 from 5 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 23, at 1:30 pm at Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 900 W Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD. Following the burial, a Celebration of Life will be held at Killarney House, 584 W Central Ave. Davidsonville, MD from 2 to 5 PM. Flowers are welcome, and for those who wish to do so, donations may be made in Rita’s honor to Glioblastoma Research Organization or to Compass Regional Hospice. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.