Obituary of Susan Elaine Waites

Columbia- A Celebration of Life service will be held for Susan Elaine Waites Saturday, September 16, 2017 at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, followed by a reception for family and friends. Susan died Friday, September 08, 2017, at her home in Arcadia Lakes. Born and raised in Columbia, she lived in South Carolina most of her life, Greenville, Sumter and back to Columbia. Susan graduated from Wildwood High School in Columbia, gained her undergraduate teaching degree from Furman University and her graduate degree from Regent College. She devoted her entire career in service to children and their families. She taught special education, regular education and advanced academics to elementary and middle school children. Susan ended her tenure with Logan Elementary in the Richland One School District as a Curriculum Resource Teacher. She also was a fitness instructor at the former Hampton Hill Athletic Club. Surviving are her best friend and partner of twenty seven years, Ann Eisenstein; her sister Patricia Ulku (Dincer); her brothers, Robert Waites, John Waites (Debbie) and Donny Waites; her nieces, Lisa Austin (Chris), Robin Waites (Michelle), Shannon Waites, Beril Ulku-Steiner (Michael), Aylin Ulku (Kevin), Kathryn Waites, Whitney Waites; her nephews, Adam Waites (Danielle) and Christian Waites (Jennifer); and her maternal aunt, June Ginn. The theme of Susan's life was "love". She loved, and was loved, fondly, feverishly and fervently by her family, friends, colleagues, and students. She also loved animals and the environment and she enjoyed working and playing in her yard and garden, hiking in the mountains and walking along the seashore. The family extends special thanks to South Carolina Oncology Associates and Agape Hospice and Long Term Care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Susan's favorite charities: Historic Columbia Foundation,1601 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201; Alley Cat Allies7920 Norfolk Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814; and South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, 902 North Street, Beaufort, SC 29902