Joyce Sas

Joyce I. Crosson Sas

Great Falls —Joyce I. Crosson Sas, 92, of Great Falls, passed away on October 8, 2016.

Joyce was born to George and Dorothy Crosson on July 4, 1924 in Trossachs, Saskatchewan, Canada. Joyce spent her childhood in Canada with her parents and 6 siblings. After graduating high school, she joined and served in the Canadian Women's Army Corps (WAC) as a photographer.

Having a passion for skin care and beauty, Joyce moved to Montana in 1954 and started her first beauty salon in Glendive, MT. She later relocated to Billings, MT and established 'Sas First Avenue' a very reputable skin care and styling salon.

She married Leo Sas in 1976 and they enjoyed nearly 37 years together. Leo was very proud of Joyce's successes and enjoyed accompanying her to her seminars and workshops. In their later years, Leo and Joyce moved to Missoula and following Leo's passing, Joyce spent the last few years of her life in Great Falls, MT.

Joyce was a highly educated and distinguished Esthetician who studied at prestigious institutes across the United States and Europe to ensure she provided the very best skin care and products to her clients. Joyce's initial training was at the Institute of Esthetics in New York City. She also received advanced training and specialization at workshops and seminars in New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, the M.G. Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts and Acne Research Institute in California, England, Paris and Monte Carlo. Additionally, she completed a post graduate course of study in the Theory and Practice of Make-up Design, which led to her branding her own skin care and make-up line, 'Sas Cosmetics'.

Her success in the Esthetics field led to a feature in Vogue Magazine in 1984. Additionally, she was affiliated with C-Descoan International Skin Care Association, the Catherine Atzen Lymphobiology Association, Montana Association of Female Executives, and Downtown Billings Association.

Joyce enjoyed gourmet cooking, golfing, traveling and crossword puzzles. Joyce was a gifted seamstress and her sister fondly remembers the many outfits she made.

She is survived by her brother, Waldo; twin sisters, Marlene Long and Marlis Crosson; many nieces and nephews; and Leo's 3 daughters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Sas; her parents; sister Betty; and brothers Gordon and George.

A celebration of her life and interment will occur in the Spring/Summer of 2017.