Rita Marie Lashway

Lashway, Rita Marie
SARATOGA SPRINGS - 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, N.Y. Due to illness, Rita was placed as a young child in the Mount St. John's Home for Children in Rensselaer, N.Y. Eventually, she lived in the foster care system in Chatham, N.Y., 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, N.Y.
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 4-7 p.m., on Wednesday, June 12, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866 (518-584-5373).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
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, N.Y. 12205 and/or the Chatham Central School Class of 1965 Scholarship Fund, at 50 Woodbridge Ave., Chatham, N.Y. 12037.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com