Ava Rasmussen

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ava James Rasmussen, 18 years young, of Mahwah, NJ, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Ava peacefully slipped into angels arms at home surrounded by loving family. Ava is survived by her mother Samantha Ribaudo and stepfather David Veale, brothers Damian and Dominic, grandparents Patricia Ribaudo and John and Theresa Rasmussen, great grandmother Josephine Cali, as well as countless aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ava was born on July 30, 2005 in Ridgewood, NJ. In true Ava fashion, she arrived 6 weeks early, wide eyed and screaming. Despite only weighing 5 lbs, Ava didn’t need the NICU and was ready to go home where she happily reminded her mom that sleep no longer existed and that the world was hers and everyone else was just living in it.

Ava grew up in Mahwah and was a dedicated and loyal T-Bird. Cheerleading was her passion and despite her on and off battles with cancer, nothing stood in her way of being either on the field or the mat on game day or competition weekends.  While Ava enjoyed cheering for her Mahwah T-Birds, there was nothing she loved more than all-star cheer. It was through her gym, Star Athletics, that Ava found her home away from home and lifelong friends that became her family. Ava graduated from Mahwah High School in June of 2023, albeit from her hospital bed, and was excited to attend the University of Alabama in the fall.

Ava will be remembered for her fierce loyalty, protective spirit and fun loving nature.  Her most cherished moments were spent with her friends and boyfriend. Ava’s blonde moments always kept everyone laughing and ensured times spent together were lighthearted. Despite Ava’s small stature, she could give one hell of a side eye that terrified even the most prestigious of doctors. As a small child, Ava’s favorite characters were always the villain. She loved the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood and the wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz. Which is why it should come as no surprise that her favorite teachers were always the “mean ones” and she easily won over every stoic, bad bedside manner doctor that crossed her path. She easily befriended her nurses by enticing them into her room with snacks and entertaining them with pictures and videos of her pride and joy, her English bulldog, Willow.

Ava was sassy, generous beyond measure, spoke freely without a filter, loved hard and fought hard- right up until her very last breath.  Ava left a mark on anyone who was lucky enough to know her. Her family, community and friends will never be the same.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, March 19th from 3-8 pm at St. Paul’s Church, Ramsey, NJ. At Ava’s request, she would like everyone to be reminded that this is a celebration of her life and wearing light colors to represent that would be appreciated.

The funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, March 20th at 10:00 am at St. Paul’s Church, Ramsey, NJ followed by the interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W. Stevens Ave., Hawthorne, NY.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made in Ava’s name to: Goryeb Children’s Hospital by visiting https://www.f4mmc.org, clicking on Make a Gift and selecting Goryeb.

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