Roberta Carla Malavenda

Roberta Carla Malavenda, age 80, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025. Roberta was born on June 1, 1944 to Doris Ovitsky Weisman and Edward Weisman in Chicago, Illinois. Roberta grew up in Miller (Gary} Indiana graduating from William A. Wirt High School in 1962.

Roberta was the cherished spouse of Nelson Malavenda, beloved mother of Joshua Malavenda, adored big sister to Neil Weisman and sister-in-law Christina (Teena} Weisman, She will be deeply missed by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Gary and Laura Malavenda, David and Joyce Malavenda, her Ovitsky cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Doris Ovitsky Weisman and father Edward Weisman.

Roberta gave of herself to so many who benefited from her strength and commitment. People recognized her as a positive “force of nature – to be reckoned with” . Her life accomplishments in serving others were monumental.

Graduating in Political Science and Latin American studies from Indiana University she was recognized with a fellowship to Columbia University in Political Science. In NYC she was a community organizer with the Puerto Rican Family Affairs Institute. While in Gainesville, Florida, Roberta helped to organize the United Farm Workers Movement with Cesar Chevez and his wife. In her long career Roberta worked as an educator, community organizer, community advocate for childcare, and advocate for civil rights of people with disabilities. She was the Director of the Dekalb County YWCA. She served as the Deputy Director for Save the Children Child Care Support Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Roberta was active with the National Women’s and Georgia State Women’s Political Caucus and served as the Georgia ERA State Coordinator.

In recent years, Roberta was the Executive Director of CDF: A Collective Action Initiative in Clarkston, Georgia. In the words of the Mayor of Clarkston, Roberta demonstrated unwavering commitment to social justice, early childhood education and community empowerment. She championed inclusive community initiatives that uplifted countless families, providing multilingual early learning opportunities and workforce development for refugee and immigrant communities. She left an indelible mark on Clarkston, also known as the Ellis Island of the South.

Roberta also left an indelible mark on everyone who encountered her. She was sweetness and light. She loved nature, she had a passion for cardinals, art museums, travel and spending time with husband Nelson and son Josh. She will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to know her. She was indeed a “force of nature” and a beloved spirit.

In lieu of flowers we ask for donations to be made to the American Cancer Society: https://donate.cancer.org

A graveside service for Roberta will be held Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Green Lawn Cemetery & Mausoleum, 950 Mansell Rd, Roswell, Georgia 30076.