Obituary of Raksha J. Andreassen

Raksha J. Andreassen (Desai) passed away Monday evening, July 14, 2025 at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ, surrounded by her loving family following a sudden illness. She was 78. 

Born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Mrs. Andreassen immigrated to the United States in 1968, settling initially in Los Angeles, CA. She later moved to West Caldwell, NJ, before coming to Livingston, NJ in 1977. Mrs. Andreassen earned her Bachelors Degree in Chemistry from Gujarat University. 

She met her late husband, Jan Andreassen in 1972. Following a courtship, they were married in 1973. They spent 38 wonderful years together before his passing on October 2, 2006.

Raksha had worked as a computer programmer in the IT department with the Prudential Insurance Company in Newark, NJ for many years, before her retirement. 

She was a lover of all animals, most especially cats. She had many cats over the years and was a big supporter of animal welfare organizations that supported stray and homeless cats. She was also a longtime supporter of the Democratic Party and its principles.

Preceded in death by her husband, Jan Andreassen and three siblings, Jagdish Desai, Saryu Desai, and Mira Sheth; she is survived by her brother, Harish Desai of Lilburn, GA; her sister, Bharti Pasawala of Lake Hiawatha, NJ; and many nieces and nephews. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Puja Funeral Service on Saturday, July 19, 2025, 12:00pm to 2:00pm at S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service. Cremation will follow at 2:30pm at the Rosedale Crematory, 408 Orange, Rd., Montclair, NJ. 

For those so desiring, Memorial Gifts in honor of Raksha can be made to your favorite animal welfare organization.