The NFRW family sends its deepest condolences to the loved ones of Diana Waterman, Immediate Past President of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women (MFRW), who died on October 17.
Diana was a leader in the National Federation of Republican Women for many years. As president of the MFRW from 2018-2021, she served a vital role as a voting member of the Board of Directors. She also was a member of the Campaign and Caring for America Committees and served on the 2021 Nominating Committee. She was a founding member and president of Chesapeake Republican Women.
“She was a political icon who went out of her way to bring people into the party and make the MFRW what it is today,” the Maryland Federation posted online. “We are going to miss her.”
Diana was a powerhouse in Maryland Republican politics. During her tenure as Chair of the Maryland Republican Party from 2013-2017, the party gained 11 seats in the Maryland General Assembly and elected Governor Larry Hogan. More than 50 Republicans were elected to local offices. When she assumed office, the MDGOP was $150K in debt with $10K cash on hand. She worked tirelessly to reverse that, leaving the MDGOP with $250K cash on hand and no debt.
Diana also was active in many other Republican and community organizations and was a passionate mentor and supporter of young Republican women and men. She was chief financial officer of Waterman Realty, the family business she helped build with her husband of nearly 40 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in math and physics from Sweet Briar College in Amherst, Virginia.
“Her competency and willingness to serve made her a skilled party worker,” Diana’s son Kevin told the Baltimore Sun. “She never asked for credit. Her interest was the good of the organization. She did not have a greater agenda or aspirations for political office.”
Survivors include husband Barry Waterman, son Kevin Waterman, daughter Catherine Waterman, mother Nancy Ogasawara Duffy, sister, Susan Coopersmith, and four grandchildren.
For those wishing to donate in Diana’s memory, a scholarship fund has been established to benefit female students in a political science curriculum:
The Diana Waterman Scholarship c/o Chesapeake Charities
101 Log Canoe Circle, Ste O
Stevensville MD 21666
https://ccharities.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2155
-30-
GRAPHIC: Courtesy Maryland Federation of Republican Women