Betty Jane Waldow

Born on November 9, 1927, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Betty was the daughter of Peter and Elsie Sheridan. Her life was defined by service, dedication, and an enduring love for her family and community.

Betty served as the Executive Director of the Arlington County Bar Association for 33 years. In 1996, she was honored with the William L. Winston Award — the highest distinction awarded by the Arlington County Bar Foundation. This award recognizes a member of the Northern Virginia legal community whose public service and commitment to the rule of law exemplify the principles of enlightenment, education, and democratic ideals. Throughout decades of change and progress in Arlington County, Betty was a steady, guiding presence — serving the legal community with remarkable professionalism, humility, and grace.

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth E. Waldow (R. Kevin Cann) of Mariposa, California, Frederick W. Waldow of Arlington, Virginia, and Vallery M. Fletcher (Sam Fletcher) of Herndon, Virginia. Betty was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren — Amanda Fletchersmith, Devin Fletcher, Lindsey Salvadalena, Alexandra Cann, Benjamin Cann, and Anastasia “Stacey” Prisaznik — and a loving great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Molly, who remained faithfully by her side.

Betty is preceded in death by her brothers, Frederick E. Sheridan of McLean, Virginia and Peter B. Sheridan Jr. of Arlington, Virginia, and her granddaughter, Lora E. Fletcher of Herndon, Virginia.

A viewing will be held at Murphy’s Funeral Home in Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Catholic Church on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM followed by internment at Fairfax Memorial Park at 12:00 PM.

In honoring Betty’s life, we remember a woman whose strength, warmth, and quiet leadership left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.