Joann Spain Rasmussen, 90 years old, died on September 4th 2014 at home, atop rolling farmlands in Walton NY, surrounded by love. Born in Queens NY, April 10 1924, a graduate of Smith College '46, Joann worked at IBM and was married for 60 years to Arthur Rasmussen, who predeceased her in 2008.

Joann lived a dynamic life of generous-spirited activism. While raising four children in Montclair NJ, in the 1950s and 60s, Joann engaged actively in Planned Parenthood and Fair Housing (a community campaign to integrate white suburban enclaves). She also became a certified teacher and tutored illiterate adults. Upon moving to Chicago in 1968, she was active in the Reading is Fundamental literacy program and Executive Service Corps (ESC), a nationwide nonprofit service that pairs retired executives with struggling community start-ups. Upon retirement to the Catskill Region of Upstate NY in 1990, she launched an ESC agency in Oneonta NY and served on the boards of WSKG, the Catskill Symphony Orchestra and Franklin Stage Company. A vigorous advocate of the disenfranchised, and a gracious, altruistic soul, Joann's life motto was "never resist a generous impulse."

She is survived by her four children; Mark and Will of London, and Kim and Ann of NYC and Montclair NJ respectively. Additionally she is survived by six grandchildren; Emma, Mark, Nathan, Leah, Will and Luke.

Services will be held in Franklin NY at The Franklin Stage Company, Sunday October 26th 2014 at 11:30 AM, with reception to follow at Erna McReynold's and Tom Morgan's home.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations

to William Ogden Library, 42 Gardiner Pl, Walton, NY 13856.