Photo courtesy of William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York
Sep 7, 1947 – Jun 3, 2024
Saratoga Springs, NY - We are saddened to announce the death of our beloved Wife, Mother, Nonna, and friend; Rita Marie Lashway, on June 3, 2024. Rita passed away peacefully in her sleep at home with her husband.
On September 7, 1947, Rita was born to Marion Capazzi of the Bronx, NY. Due to illness, Rita was placed as a young child in the Mount St. John’s Home for Children in Rensselaer, NY. Eventually, she lived in the foster care system in Chatham, NY where she was welcomed into the community, and found friends and mentors for a lifetime.
Rita met her husband, Keith F. Lashway, when they sang for the Choir at Chatham High School. She was a smart, trend-setting Senior while Keith was merely an “Underclassman” as she would like to put it; they did not get together until 1973. They went on to be the parents of Todd. V. Lashway, Christa K. Hyland-Laloë, Heather S. Lashway (daughter-in-law), Jean-Baptiste Laloë (son-in-law), and the Grandparents of Reagan M. Lashway, Hudson S. Lashway, William H. Hyland, Anne-Sophie Laloë, and Zoe Laloë.
In October 2023, they celebrated 50 years of an unbeatable union and marriage.
Rita built an expansive and impressive career within Association Management; serving others through her involvement with United Cerebral Palsy, The League of Women Voters, and the NYS School Boards Association. Rita was admired and respected by many for her strong leadership skills, business acumen, and dedication to her Teams.
At the age of 50, Rita earned her MBA at The College of St. Rose, Troy, NY.
Having served her Community through various Leadership roles with the College of St. Rose Business Advisory Board in developing their Non-Profit Management Certificate Program and the development of ESSAE’s Association Leadership Academy (ALA), Rita was a strong believer in giving back.
Rita was most proud of helping others find their strengths and encouraging them to develop their leadership skills. She contributed much of her free time to organizations including ESSAE (Empire State Society of Association Management), CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and the Junior Achievement youth mentorship programs.
Rita was a doting Nonna and Mom, an adored Wife, a generous friend, an avid traveler; and, of course, a lover of shoes and handbags. Lovingly nicknamed the “Drill Sergeant” at home (and probably at work!), she was the toughest of cookies, with unsurpassed strength and determination.
Relatives and friends may call from 4-7pm, on Wednesday June 12th at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Thursday, June 13th at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, Rita asked for donations to be sent to the ESSAE R.M. Lashway Scholarship Fund at 1A Pine West Plaza, Albany NY 12205 and/or the Chatham Central School Class of 1965 Scholarship Fund at 50 Woodbridge Ave, Chatham NY 12037.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Read MoreI was so saddened to learn of the passing of our dear Rita. Rita was an amazing woman, a phenomenal mentor to so many of us in the association profession, and a remarkably dedicated citizen. Truly an example of compassion and leadership. RIP Rita. May your impact remain in our communities for many years to come.
Patricia K Wood
June 11, 2024 | Delmar, NY | Friend
Rita was a caring friend who always welcomed you with a gentle smile and made you feel like family. She will be missed. Sending heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
Blanche Gordon
June 09, 2024 | Staatsburg, NY | Friend
Rita was one of those special people we had the privilege to meet and befriend during the last few years. We first met her when she greeted us as new homeowners in Summer Wind, where she was President of the HOA. She welcomed us to the neighborhood with homemade cookies, and a bright smile. And so she and Keith had little problem recruiting us to volunteer and help out in the HOA. We quickly discovered that she had an elegance and grace about her that was modest, yet joyous. And when we...
Sharon and Jeff (Johnson) Freedman
June 09, 2024 | Saratoga Springs, NY | Friend
Rita was a true mentor to so many of us in the association leadership field. She was so accomplished and gave so much of herself. What a privilege to have known her. My condolences to her family and friends.
Kristen Myers
June 07, 2024 | Schenectady | Acquaintance
Rita and I graduated from Chatham High School together in 1965. Rita and Pam worked together for nearly sixty years to make sure we had a reunion every 5 years. They were so organized and pulled each one off so beautifully. Each reunion was well attended and enjoyed by all. Rita was a master organizer even after Pam passed away unexpectedly and when she was not feeling well.
When Rita and Keith moved to within a few minutes of where I’ve lived for 25 years the 4 of us started getting...
Nancy Ford
June 07, 2024 | Malta, NY | Friend
There's nothing I can that i can say to express myself about Rita. This lady has taught me me so much in life it swells in my heart . Iam so sorry sorry for the the loss .I will miss her tremendously. May God be with you all . Steve Harvey.
Steve Harvey
June 07, 2024 | Big Rapids, MI | Coworker
I worked with Rita for over 3 decades and she was always such a wonderful role model as a strong, determined and dedicated woman who succeeded at whatever she was involved in. I admired her strength and kind demeanor and always enjoyed working with her throughout the years. God bless you and your family.
Mary Jo Janis
June 07, 2024 | Ballston Spa, KS | Coworker
Rita was an incredible mentor and friend to me. I learned so much from her and I so enjoyed keeping in touch. She was so smart, caring and thoughtful. She will be deeply missed; my condolences to all her family and friends.
Kathleen Brady-Stepien
June 06, 2024 | Albany, NY | Friend
Rita was was a kind , caring friend you will be greatly missed, she was like family rest in peace
John Edwards
June 06, 2024 | East Greenbush, NY | Friend
