Saratoga Springs, NY – Rita J. Balmuth (b. June 24, 1930) of Saratoga Springs, New York, died peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at age 86.  Kind, spirited, and extroverted, she lived an engaged and fruitful life. She shared that life with her husband of nearly 60 years, Daniel Balmuth, with her family, and more widely, with the Saratoga community. Rita intuitively balanced her independence with a willingness to devote herself to others, and the causes that moved her. Confident in her identity, authentic in her voice, she never lost her sense of the surrounding community. She created or joined these communities, whether they were religious, political, social or cultural. And she nurtured them all and gave freely of herself, recognizing that love is serving, rather than being served.

Rita was born in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the Bronx on June 24, 1930, the oldest daughter of Hyman and Rachel Jacknow. A New York City girl through and through, she graduated from Walton High School (1947) and Hunter College (1951). On a rare escape from the city—to the Catskills—she met her future husband while on a summer vacation (she the guest; he the busboy). After college graduation, she began teaching in the New York City Public Schools. When she married Dan in June, 1953, she provided for the household, enabling him to pursue his graduate research.

Dan and Rita's new life together soon took them Upstate, first to Plattsburgh and then to Saratoga Springs in the summer of 1958. She devoted herself to raising her three children. By weaving herself into the fabric of Saratoga life, she became the informal "mayor" of Marion Place.

Throughout her life, Rita was not one to remain at rest. When the time was right, she re-entered the working world, first as a substitute teacher, and then in social work. In the early 1970s she served as Saratoga County social caseworker for child services, then a case manager for Saratoga County Mental Health services, then the Director of Volunteer Services at Friendship House from 1977 until she retired in 1996.  Through her work, she had a lasting impact on those in need, and spread her positive influence throughout the region. Hers was a lifetime of caring and service.

Rita was not simply the sum of her professional accomplishments.  As one of the early families supporting the establishment of Temple Sinai, Rita and Dan, together with the founding families, kept the Temple afloat during the lean years, serving in every role imaginable. At various times, Rita was a religious education teacher, head of the Caring Committee, and member of various other committees, including Youth, Religious School and Oneg Shabbat.  When the Temple became more established over time, she proudly—and effectively––served as the Temple's informal welcoming committee. As many new members' early point of contact, she set a tone of warmth and unity for the congregation. Indeed, Temple Sinai remains Rita's most cherished cause and her lasting testament to Saratoga's religious life.

Rita's volunteer activity was as important to her as her career. She volunteered at the Saratoga Library until recently. As she raised her children, she was involved with the Skidmore College Faculty Wives Club.  When she joined communities, she was not an idle participant; she was often a leader or founder.  Rita was a founding member of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters.  Later, she started an investment club.  A voracious reader until the end, Rita and her friends organized numerous book clubs, which have remained active for decades and continue today.

Rita took to her hobbies with the same zeal she brought to her professional life and volunteerism. Her apple cakes were legendary. As a knitter of sweaters, she clothed the entire family.  Her capable sewing skills created everything from dresses to curtains.  When Rita decided to take up woodworking, she didn't start with something small; instead, she designed and crafted a bed.

Rita served as a model for younger generations. She embodied family values of caring and education. She lived her life on her own terms and, as family matriarch, she raised a loving extended family. Rita was beloved, and is survived by, her children Susan Balmuth and David Horne of Seattle, David Balmuth and Randi Cigelnik of Chicago, and Michael and Jill Balmuth of Boston; grandchildren Rachel and Sarah Horne (Seattle), Amy Balmuth (Chicago), and Evan and Lexi Balmuth (Boston). She is pre-deceased by her husband, Daniel Balmuth, and her younger sister Sandra (Jacknow) Klein. She also has many nieces, nephews and in-laws who warmly remember family gatherings at the Balmuth home in Saratoga.

Services for Rita Balmuth will be held Wednesday, May 24, at 10:30 am at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 518-584-5373. Burial will follow at Beth El Cemetery for Temple Sinai, Gansevoort Road in Moreau, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Sinai, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY ( www.saratogasinai.org ).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.