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AMY VAN BUSKIRK Obituary
Widsten, PhD, 42, a longtime resident of Morningside Heights, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2017 in Virginia. Dr. Van Buskirk received her Doctorate in Political Science from Columbia University, along with multiple Master's Degrees. During her time at Columbia, she was awarded several prestigious research grants and fellowships including the Jacob K. Javitz Fellowship in the Humanities, a Mellon Interdisciplinary Graduate Fellowship, the Schiff Fellowship Fund Fellow and a Presidential Fellowship from the University. Dr. Van Buskirk was a political economist and author who during her professional career worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory, served as a speechwriter for the Indonesian Mission to the United Nation during their time on the Security Council, was an adjunct assistant professor at Georgetown University. She also worked as a curriculum and course developer for the National War College, part of the National Defense University in Washington, DC. She was also passionate about volunteering and helping others, and was a longtime board member of the free-trade store, Ten Thousand Villages, in Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. Van Buskirk is survived by her husband Duncan of Fairfax County, Virginia, her mother Patricia, and step- father, Geoffrey Brooks of Reno, Nevada, her father, Mark Widsten of Fairfax County, Virginia, and her step brothers, Christian Brooks (New York) and Jason Brooks (Philadelphia), as well as many wonderful friends.
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Memories and Condolences
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August 30, 2017
Amy was scheduled to give a paper at APSA today. Hers sounded like the most interesting. I am very sorry she is not with her friends and family. But I am sure that life goes on for her in the higher realms.
Jane & Tony Day
July 31, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to Duncan, Pat, Geoffrey, and family.
Our thoughts will continue to be with you over the coming weeks and months. We are grieving that your wonderful, generous Amy was taken from you in her prime.
Tamara Jaffe
July 29, 2017
Every night when I am in my apartment and I feel the teeming emptiness, I want to call Amy. There aren't any words to describe this or to do her justice; what happened is inconceivable and I am still unable to grasp it, but I can't let more time pass before writing in here. Amy understood what it meant to listen with every part of her being--to care with every atom--unconditionally. Her acumen and love of learning was only rivaled by her compassion, infinite faith in others and passion for causes that mattered; she took drops of goodness in the world, noticed or unseen, and found ways to generate them into the oceans they could be; she changed lives, including my own, in every way possible and did so with a humility that was breathtaking. She knew how to do what people find impossible--give it her all in all aspects of life and be there, immediately and fully, for others at all times, no matter what. She was that warrior of light people almost never find or encounter in this world, and still is, because she is that powerful. Miss you Aim, constantly and infinitely, so much more than we can all express, and yes, there is still so much more to say...Hugs, ~T.
Charles Hankla
July 25, 2017
Amy and I went to Georgetown together. She was a brilliant and kind person, and I send my deepest condolences and my prayers to her family.
July 21, 2017
Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. Seek the love and support God provides to help you cope during this time - Psalms 29:11
Julie Becker
July 20, 2017
Amy brought commitment and professionalism to the Board of Ten Thousand Villages. She cared deeply about our mission and was a joy to work with. We were all truly blessed to have her among us!
Patricia Brooks
July 18, 2017
It is very touching to hear from friends and colleagues that new my dear Amy.. Thank you for sharing your feelings and memories of her.
Me and Amy after her farewell lunch
Ida Irmayani
July 18, 2017
I knew Amy during my tenure at the Permanent Mission of Indonesia to the United Nations, as the Personal Assistant to the Ambassador. Once in a while she came to meet with the Ambassadors and brought with her a very calming aura. She was such a sweet and humble person.
It was quite shocking to me when I heard the sad news. I regret myself that I haven't got a chance to tell her what a beautiful mind and soul she has.
Every soul should taste death, but Amy left us too soon. May she rest in peace, Aamiin
Aaron Ammerman
July 18, 2017
My deepest condolences to Amy's family. Her sweetness and joy will be greatly missed.
Emily McGibbon
July 18, 2017
Amy and I were roommates years ago when I first moved to NYC. I am so saddened to hear of her passing, what a loss of a caring and gentle spirit. My deepest sympathies to her parents (who I know she was so close to) and her husband.
July 18, 2017
Amy was a dear friend and kindred spirit of mine while we were at Columbia graduate school - I remember her sweet and kind presence and cherish our friendship, which was a bright spot during a stressful time. I'm so sad that she is no longer with us but pray that she free from any pain and sorrow and rejoicing in heaven.
Heather
July 18, 2017
Amy was one of my closest friends. While our time together was too short, I cherish every moment we had together. I'm not sure any words can sum up the gratitude I have for Amy, but she made a very positive impact in her time here. Bless you, dear friend and thank you for being in my life.
Mark Bucknam
July 18, 2017
Amy was a colleague at the National War College. She died way too young and so suddenly. She will be missed.
Bob Watts
July 18, 2017
Amy and I worked together at the National War College; she was intelligent, dedicated, and a wonderful person. She'll be deeply missed.
Mary Catherine West
July 18, 2017
I knew Amy from her time with the National War College. She was a gentle soul who was kind to everyone she met. I shall miss her.
Cynthia Watson
July 18, 2017
I am still reeling from the shocking news. Amy's gentleness and commitment to her work was a tribute to her engagement with everyone. She was a lovely woman I'm so glad I got to know.
Yanti Wiryono
July 17, 2017
I knew Amy when she was working for the Permanent Mission of Indonesia. It was a shock to hear that she passed away. Gone to soon. My deepest condolences go to her parents and husband.
Sonala Olumhense
July 16, 2017
News of Amy's passing brought to me great shock. She was the most gentle of spirits, and an intellectual giant. It is extremely difficult to believe she is gone, and I take this opportunity to express my condolences to her family and friends. May her sweet soul rest in perfect peace.
Odo Manuhutu
July 16, 2017
I am deeply sad to read this news from Jakarta. There are three words that maybe can describe her: humble, kind, and intelligent. We knew each other in 2007 when we started working together for the Indonesian Security Council Team in New York. She was forever diligent and resourceful. My heart goes for her family. May God bless her family now and then.
Monika Nalepa
July 15, 2017
Amy was one of the most welcoming people I met at Columbia when I started graduate school. I will always remember her rushing in with a Snapple iced tea and sitting in the front row of David Epstein's game theory class. She was the first person to introduce herself to me when I was scared out of my skin and struggling to understand what people were saying to me. Over the years we learned more about each other and our friendship group. It's thanks to people like Amy the US became my forever home. I will never forget what she did for me. And I'm devastated I never really told her how I feel.
Fahr Ahmed
July 15, 2017
While you have moved on Amy, your wonderful memories will always shine through in our hearts. May God shower his unlimited blessings on your soul (Amen). Your friends and colleagues at Indonesia's UN NY Mission remember you very fondly. Fahr G
July 14, 2017
Our hearts are heavy - we became close with Amy while working on a family project together. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her dear Mom and the family.
Sandy and Al
Patricia Brooks
July 14, 2017
My daughter was stolen from us, by cancer. She will always be a part of every action that I take, and I am thankful for every day she walked on this beautiful earth.
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