Nancy Rasmussen

Nancy was born in Chicago, IL on April 3, 1936 to Charles F. Sweeney & Enid Blaney Sweeney, their only child. The family moved to Madison, WI in 1940, where she attended Franklin and St. James elementary schools. Nancy graduated from Edgewood High School in 1954 and Edgewood College in 1958. After graduating college, she taught kindergarten in West Allis, WI.

She married Douglas Rasmussen on Jan. 31, 1959 at Queen of Peace church in Madison, WI. On Jan. 20, 1960, their daughter Lori Ann was born in Albuquerque, NM. On Aug. 12, 1965, their son Thomas Douglas was born in Madison, WI.

“Rassie” was a member of Nakoma Country Club for 57 years, where she enjoyed many events with lifelong friends. Weekly Bridge was still a passion to the end. Rassie enjoyed cooking, often cooking gourmet meals for herself and others. Dancing, music, and attending concerts were always a highlight. She loved to entertain, and always enjoyed the impromptu “stand-ups” with friends. She held dear the many friends from as far back as grade school. Rassie loved spending time at her condo in Palm Desert, CA. Her final home was Sauk Garden Apartments, a community that she held dear, surrounded by old and new friends.

After Lori and Tom had left for college, Nancy began working at a woman’s clothing store, I. M. Petite, and later at Marshall Fields. She was a volunteer at St. Mary’s hospital, pushing the gift cart to patient rooms, brightening their day. She was a member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church.

“Gigi” was a loving Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. Her family meant the world to her, and her love was deeply felt in her endearing way of making everyone feel special and appreciated. Nancy is survived by her daughter Lori (Patrick) Donahue, her son Thomas (Nana) Rasmussen, her grandchildren Keslie (Dustin) Wooten, Kristin (Kyle) Kobriger, Taryn (Steven) Ross, Kendra (Ben) Wasby, Nicole Rasmussen, Raphael and Emjay Rasmussen. She is further survived by 11 great-grandchildren, Behrett, Bohden and Brooks Wooten, Graham and Beck Kobriger, Luca Ross, Isla, Gracie, Judah, Eden and Ivan Wasby. She was preceded in death by her parents, and many dear friends over the years.

Memorials may be made in Nancy’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Agrace Hospice, whose compassionate care improved her quality of life and supported her through her final moments. The family is forever grateful.