Obituary of Thelma M. Rusak

Thelma Rusak, age 86, left this world peacefully on February 6, 2023 at the Keuka Comfort Care Home in Penn Yan, following a long life, well lived. Born on September 15, 1936 to Alvin and Clarinda Huck, Thelma was raised in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, the fourth of nine children. She graduated from Wellsboro High School, and after graduation began working for Westinghouse Electric Company in Bath, NY.

After moving to Bath, Thelma met and married her husband of 46 years, Jerry Rusak, who was from Ukraine. They married on July 14, 1956, and moved to Corning, NY to begin their life together. In 1968, they moved to Bath to raise their children and be near Jerry's immediate family. Thelma and Jerry built their home, and lived on Mossy Bank Hill for nearly their entire married life. Thelma spent many hours gardening, caring for her home, and raising her children. She was a homemaker for most of her adult life, but in her later years, also worked for The Corning Leader and Philips Lighting in Bath, from where she retired.

Thelma lived her senior years in a smaller home on Mossy Bank Hill, where she continued to enjoy her flower gardens, cooking delicious meals for her kids and grandkids, and watching the many birds and wildlife near her home. She enjoyed seeing friends in the choir at St. Mary's Church, and being a member of the ladies auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. Thelma was known for her quiet and gentle spirit, and is a treasure to her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Thelma was predeceased by her husband, Jerry; her son, Michael; her sister Geraldine; and four brothers Alvin, Norman, Floyd, and Edward Huck; three brothers- in- law; three sisters-in-law and three nephews.

Surviving are three children; Steven (Cindy) Rusak; Judy (Dennis) Lynch; and James (Amey) Rusak; eight grandchildren; Kenzie (David) Gates; Justin Rusak; Lily Lynch; Andrew Lynch; Sophia Lynch; Alexa (Justin) Sherwood; Jenna (Matt) O'Donnell; and Mya Rusak, and four great grandchildren. Also surviving are her three sisters; Arlene Brown, Edna Johnson, and Mary Heatwole, and a sister in law, Virginia Huck, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children.

All friends and family are invited to Calling Hours on February 17, from 5-7 pm at Fagan's Funeral Home in Bath. All are also invited to join in a Mass of Christian Burial on February 18 at 10:00 Am at St. Mary's Church in Bath. Memorial donations may be made to: Keuka Comfort Care Home, P.O. Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14572 or St. Mary’s Church, 32 West Morris Street, Bath, NY 14810.