Mrs. Maxine Rae (Young) Rasmussen, 81, exited this life on Oct. 7, 2023, at her home in Cape Charles, after a short battle with bladder cancer. She was born on Aug. 27, 1942, to the late Max and Irene Young.
Left to carry on her memory are Harold, her husband of 60 years, and her cat, Domino. She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Julie Head (David); and grandchildren, Christopher Head (Taylor), Sarah Floyd (Jake), Erica Zimmerman (Zachary), and Angela Head (Mark). She was also able to meet her first great-grandchild, Harold Russell Floyd, several days before she passed. She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen.
She was a devoted mother and spent many years supporting her children in their many activities. She spent many hours on the family dairy farm and running Julie around with her cattle showing. Stephen was an avid motorcycle racer, and she was able to take several trips around the U.S. with him on the race circuit.
Once her children were raised, she returned to school and became an English and history teacher. She went on to become a principal of the Peterson Center for Alternative Education in Turlock, Calif., where she worked with at-risk and troubled students.
When she retired from education, they sold the family dairy farm and moved to Cape Charles to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. She loved taking an active role in the many activities of her grandchildren and being surrounded by her family. She was a fixture at her grandchildren’s sporting events and schools and was known for almost always bringing cookies. Family time was important, and it was always special for her when everyone was together. Tri-tip was the favorite at family get-togethers.
She believed in giving back to the community and served with the Northampton County Public School Foundation before running for the Northampton County School Board. She finished out her time on the school board as the board chair.
She and Harold enjoyed traveling with friends and family. They enjoyed cruising and took the family on a number of family trips to Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska. The one rule was that everybody had to be present for dinner in the dining room. There was always a lot of fun and laughter at these meals.
Her daughter will miss their daily phone calls, monthly pedicures, and trips to the theater. Her grandchildren will also miss their many phone calls, her active interest in their daily lives, and lunches at Rayfield’s.
The family celebrated her life by spending her final days together at her home. At her request, remembrances may be made to the Northampton YMCA Adopt-A-Teen Summer Program, 22257 Parsons Circle, Cape Charles, VA 23310; or Friends of Animal Control Eastern Shore, 28167 Killmontown Road, Melfa, VA 23410.
A public celebration of life will be held on Nov. 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Parish House of Hungars Episcopal Church.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Wilkins-Doughty Funeral Home in Cape Charles.
