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Ava, an active member of the school's cheerleading team and student government, died of cancer at the age of 18.
"Ava has made a lasting impact on everyone who she came across," Superintendent Dr. Michael DeTuro said, noting counseling is available at the school to support students in need of support.
"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," her obituary reads.
She graduated MHS last June, "albeit from her hospital bed," and was looking forward to attending University of Alabama in the fall, according to the obituary.
"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.
"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."
More than $70,000 had been raised for the Rasmussen family on a GoFundMe organized by Janine Grasso as of Friday, March 15. The fundraiser will support her medical and funeral costs.
"Having had the privilege of coaching Ava at Star Athletics, I can say she is missed by so many," Robert Hanley wrote. "That personality is absolutely unforgettable and the world will miss her energy so much. Rest in peace, sweet Ava ❤️ nothing I could type here would do justice to the person she was."
"We were so fortunate to have Ava over to babysit on a few occasions last spring before her relapse happened," a donor wrote. "She was such a beautiful young woman and so warm and sweet with my children. I am simply devastated to read this news of her passing and am holding her family in my thoughts and prayers."
Ava is survived by her mother, Samantha, stepfather, David, brothers Damian and Dominic, grandparents, great-grandmother, and numerous other family members and friends, according to her obituary.
A funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 10 a.m. St. Paul R.C. Church in Ramsey. Click here for her complete obituary and service information. To view the fundraiser, click here.
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