Joan Helgesen Sass
October 2, 1937 - January 11, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Sass, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend. Joan departed from this world on January 11, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and indelible memories.
Born in Los Angeles, California on October 2, 1937. She later moved to Lyons Nebraska and grew up in a rural community. Joan embodied a quiet intelligence that marked her journey through life. A dedicated sister, she played a pivotal role in raising her younger brother Bob Helgesen and sister Patricia Willoughby, fostering a bond of love that endured through the years. She had Great love for her cousins Ronnie Helgesen, Richard Rodgers and her sister in law Carol Sass.
Joan's magnetic personality, marked by wit and humor, endeared her to everyone she encountered. Conversations with Joan were always a joy, filled with laughter and a unique blend of humor even when discussing serious matters. She had a rare talent for infusing levity into any situation, ensuring that no one left her presence without a smile.
A passionate reader, devoted family woman, and avid traveler, Joan found joy in simple pleasures. Her family was her pride and joy, and she embraced the role of their number one cheerleader with unparalleled enthusiasm. In a time when men dominated the workplace, Joan's career at AT&T/Pacific Bell saw her rise to management positions, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of strong, independent women.
Joan was a dedicated mother who imparted her strength and intelligence to her three daughters, Susan Shaw, Jodi Johnson (Sass), and Lise Letcher with husband Ray Letcher. She is survived by her brother Bob Helgeson. Her influence extends to her 11 grandchildren: Marci Gibson, Franci Donner, Kacey Donner, Sara Buchan, Cynthia Shaw, Allison Shaw, Katrina Kennedy, Jordan Letcher, Eric Kennedy, Sean Kennedy, and Cameron Letcher. Additionally, she leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren who will fondly remember visits to their GG for candy and warm hugs.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Alton Sass, in August 2011. Their love story continues in eternity. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Nelson (Willoughby). Joan's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love that she so generously shared throughout her remarkable life.
Joan's family has decided to have a private service. Please contact Lise Lecther for details, (801)209-0309.
In Loving Memory
I'm sorry I can't be there for the celebration of life but Joan and I got together earlier this year and said our goodbyes. Travel isn't easy anymore for me and she understood that. May my beloved sister rest in peace.
My deepest condolences for this difficult time. She was a wonderful woman and the glue that kept our side of the family together. I have very fond childhood memories visiting California and will always cherish those times .
I know that my grandmother impacted many people in different ways, and will be remembered differently by everyone. I will remember the storyteller. The way we would gather around after a meal at night, and laugh and laugh as she recounted adventures from her childhood and youth. She added such detail and flourish- painting pictures in my mind- making me laugh till I couldn’t breathe, or, at times, making me tear up- lost in thoughts about how difficult and cruel life can be. She had a great way of weaving words together- and was herself a lover of words. She was an avid reader- enjoyed scrabble and crossword puzzles. And she totally annihilated me whenever we would watch Wheel of Fortune- I never stood a chance! And although I will never have the same talent for words as she did, her love of these things influenced me and my future career. I would come home from college with an assignment on some poet- and she would recite their poetry- perfectly memorized- and then explain how this or that poem impacted her life. She would analyze my essays- give me pointers. And so I will always cherish my college years, when I lived with grandma. I will cherish the meals she cooked, and the advice she gave. But for me- the most important legacy that she passed down- the thing that she gave me which I hope to pass down to my children- is her love of storytelling and literature. That is something I hope stays alive in my family for generations to come.
So sorry to hear of Joan's passing. She was a kind and caring person. I enjoyed doing her (and your dad's) taxes for many years. Despite a difference in.politics, we could always fine something about family, travel or life to agree on. She will be missed by all.
In Loving Memory
