BALLSTON SPA — Born and raised in the Capital Region, Amy Van Vast Raimo spent a lifetime of summers on Lake George and in the Adirondacks. She graduated from Niskayuna High School and continued her education at Smith College, Northampton, MA where she graduated with a B.A. in Music. Following graduation, she lived in Albany and South Glens Falls before finally settling in Ballston Spa and Warrensburg with the love of her life.
Amy’s career has followed a forward trajectory from its start - most recently leading Saratoga Hospital’s Foundation as Executive Director and Vice President of Community Engagement. Amy’s incredible spirit, passion, boundless energy, and commitment to her community and Saratoga Hospital will leave an indelible impression on all she has touched. Her fundraising repeatedly delivered record-breaking numbers at every institution and volunteer event in which she participated. She has been publicly praised by senior management for her efforts, “we are a better hospital because of Amy.” She made us all want to do more and always strive to be the best we could be.
Prior to joining Saratoga Hospital in 2013, Amy served for ten years as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Albany Medical Center and Director of Principal Gifts. Earlier career achievements included Marketing Manager for Urban Retail Properties at Colonie Center, Director of Development for Special Olympics New York, and Director of Public Relations for The Great Escape-Six Flags in Glens Falls. She held numerous professional certifications in marketing and public relations. Amy devoted countless volunteer hours to numerous organizations including Special Olympics New York and the Empire State Youth Orchestra, in addition to being a past president of the Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties.
Her signature 1000-watt-smile, combined with an indomitable can-do attitude propelled many efforts and initiatives forward as if by an invisible force. She always made the difficult look easy and the impossible appear effortless. Her passion for life, family and friends was outdone only by the sense of style she imbued while organizing and implementing the events and social gatherings entrusted to her care. Her infectious laugh punctuated by an occasional snort of glee will be missed forever. Gregarious, gracious, caring and giving - she loved the great outdoors and took great pleasure in many activities including snow skiing, waterskiing, boating, kayaking, traveling and of course, shopping. She became a friend to all who knew her whether for 20 minutes or 20 years, she was always willing to lend a hand to any who needed her help.
Amy leaves a personal and professional legacy of accomplishment and excellence in a life that ended far too soon. She is survived by her beloved son, Thomas A. Raimo of Ballston Spa and fiancé, Wayne J. Flores of Warrensburg. She was the loving daughter of Nancy C. Eichner of Ballston Spa and sister to Peter S. Van Vast (Nancy) of Queensbury, Margaret W. Van Vast, of Falls Church, VA and Holly A. Van Vast, of Schenectady. She was the aunt to Kim Arnold (Cameron) and great aunt to Isla of Salem, NY and stepsister to Megan Kountze of Shellman Bluff, GA. She is predeceased by her stepfather, Thomas Eichner, her father, Horace S. Van Vast III, her brother, David C. Van Vast and stepbrother, Seth Kountze.
A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 14 at 2 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs with reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Saratoga Hospital Foundation in the memory of Amy Van Vast Raimo or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. You may pay your condolences or sign the online guest book at www.dalyfuneralhome.com.
