With great sadness, love, honor, and gratitude, the
Independence Day Committee dedicates this 120th
annual 4th of July celebration to our own, Edith
Belle Ziegler. A dedicated and tireless community
leader, Belle, who steered this Committee for over 40
years, died at the age of 88 on December 14,
2008.
After moving to Takoma Park in 1956 with her two
children, Doug and Dolores, Belle quickly began her
many years of public service first as a special
events volunteer, then as a secretary for the City
before becoming a deputy city clerk. In 1967, she
went on to found and direct the Recreation
Department, which she continued to develop and expand
until she retired in 1990. As if that wasn't
enough to keep her busy, Belle involved herself in
numerous community groups including a local Brownie
troop, the Sister City Committee, the House and
Garden Tour, the Takoma Horticultural Club, and
Helping Hand, to name but a few.
Belle's true essence was rooted in her roles as
devoted mother and generous friend. Many joined the
Ziegler household for holiday dinners over the years
while others were inspired to volunteer for a variety
of activities after witnessing her determination and
hard work. She had a magical way of attracting people
and building community such that most of us still
struggle to understand how she did it. Whatever her
method, she always saw the good in people and
expected the best, enabling us all to meet that
challenge. Indeed, she was the Belle of Takoma Park.