Joy Rasmussen

Joy Rasmussen passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 15, 2015. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, dear neighbor and friend to so many.

Her sweet smile and positive spirit, even when she was in pain, was a testament of the type of person she was. As her name implies, she always brought joy to the people who surrounded her and she would always go out of her way to find something special about the person whom she was in conversation with.

Joy Rasmussen was born in Jersey City, N.J. Oct. 12, 1942 and attended St. Dominic’s Academy for girls. Joy went on to attend beauty school, opening her own salon in Staten Island, N.Y., known as “The Joy of Hair.”

In 1976, she and her only child, Cheryl, moved across the country to Scottsdale to make a promising new life for themselves. At first, she continued her profession as a hairdresser in the Scottsdale area, but Joy had her aspirations for her life. While on that journey, she was blessed to meet the true love of her life and devoted husband of 34 years, Richard Rasmussen and they moved to Fountain Hills in 1980.

She went on to attend Arizona State University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree (Magna Cum Laude) in Social Work. Her desire for continued life learning did not end there; as she progressed on to earn her Master’s Degree (also Magna Cum Laude) in Social Work, with a certificate in Gerontology.

Joy used this expertise to work for such organizations as the Foundation for Senior Living, Hospice of the Valley and the Alzheimer’s Association. It was her life’s mission to provide comfort to the aged while giving support and counseling to their loved ones.

She also loved teaching, coaching and mentoring others as she worked as an adjunct faculty member in the Social Work college at Arizona State University for many years.

She and Richard both retired together to live a peaceful life in the Goldfield Ranch area outside of Fountain Hills, to be near to and watch their grandchildren grow.

One of her favorite pastimes was cruising around the world with Richard, seeing the beauty in everything and everywhere she visited. She read constantly, both with books and online. She recently took up the hobby of crocheting to be sure her future great-grandchildren would have lovely baby blankets.

Her love for learning new things and new subjects never stopped. She was the type of person who honestly cared; a genuinely loving individual whose sole purpose in life was to make others happier.

Yes, she did many amazing and wonderful things in her life including being a single mother, managing a successful small business, and attaining a graduate degree from a major university, but her life will truly be remembered by those closest to her in the little things she did for others.

No one was better in this world at doing nice gestures for someone else than Joy Rasmussen. Her legacy is one of devotion and love, and we were all better people for knowing her. She did so much for us. She was ALWAYS there for us... and we believe she will continue guiding us through life.

Joy is survived by her husband, Richard; daughter, Cheryl (Bart) Shea; grandchildren, Mark and Katey Shea; niece, Dawn Rhodes and her four sons, and the extended Rasmussen family in Wisconsin, including brother-in-law, Chuck (Becky) and all their children. She will be sorely missed by those she’s left behind, as she’s touched the lives of so many and leaving all of us with an empty void in our hearts.

There will be a Celebration of Joy’s Life on Saturday, March 28, at the Shea home in Goldfield Ranch, from 1 to 5 p.m., with a short service of remembrance around 3 p.m. The address is 22741 East Pleasant View Road, Fort McDowell. All are welcome.