Amy Mara Bortnick

Amy Mara Bortnick, 31 of Richmond, VA formerly of Gaithersburg, MD passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Born on August 15, 1989, she was the beloved daughter of Robert and Rosalie Mara Bortnick, loving sister to Keith, Katie Guilday (Brendan), Molly, and devoted girlfriend to Jeff Grigsby. Amy graduated from the University of Maryland as a Registered Dietician in 2013 and earned her Master’s degree in Social Work at the Virginia Commonwealth University in 2017.

Humble in her academic achievements, Amy had many personal interests. Amy found time to run in countless marathons and explore other activities that she was passionate about including yoga, spending time with family and friends, annual Bortnick beach trips to the Outer Banks, and exploring her new hometown of Richmond. As a passionate writer, Amy journaled daily and began her blog “Practicing Amy” to share her life’s journey and to inspire her readers to persevere and cherish the gift of life.

In pursuit to help others, Amy became a licensed Clinical Social Worker and began working as a Child and Adolescent Therapist for Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB). Through her work at RACSB, Amy’s intellect, empathy, and guidance were on full display as she worked tirelessly to counsel and improve the lives of adolescents in her community. Amy’s selflessness extended past her professional life, as she touched many lives and positively impacted so many through her close relationships with friends and family.

Amy was and continues to be a hero. In her battle with Sarcoma, she displayed such resilience and courage while advocating for herself and her cause, never backing down from the fight. Amy was a brazen spirit that embodied compassion, kindness, and strength. Her love and memory will leave a lasting legacy and serve as inspiration to all who knew Amy.