Marlene Fay Rusnak

She was born on July 7, 1942 in Hammond, Indiana to Claude and Marianne McMillan. She graduated from Oliver P. Morton High School in 1960 and subsequently attended, and graduated from, Patricia Stevens Modeling/Finishing School in Chicago. She modeled and worked at a travel agency until 1966.

She then had a blind date with a career army officer, Terry Rusnak, which had been arranged by both of their cousins. It was love at first sight and in six months they were married.

Minus a few innocent run-ins with the MPs (parking in a “General Officer’s” reserved parking spot), she gracefully embraced her new role as an officer’s wife: hosting events, supporting her family through 13 relocations, sponsoring West Point cadets, and raising a family.

Terry and Marlene were blessed with their first child, Terry Jr, in 1968. Her strength was apparent as she courageously raised Terry Jr for his first year while her husband was called to service in Vietnam. Family reunited, Terry and Marlene were blessed once again in 1971 with their second child, Scott.

The 13th move was to San Diego when Terry retired after 20 years of military service in 1984. To help support her children to go to college, she was able to turn her passion for shopping into a new career at Broadway/Macys. She enjoyed re-entering the workforce, especially the employee discount. After Terry’s second retirement in 2009, they spent their days traveling, spending time with family, friends and in enjoying life together.

In 2017, her oldest son, Terry Jr., passed away from pancreatic cancer. Marlene is survived by her husband Terry, son Scott, daughter-in-law Kim, sister Linda, sister-in-law Wendy, cousin Don and Rocky, her dog whom she treated as her baby.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Holy Angels Byzantine Church 2235 Galahad Road in San Diego.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elcajonmortuary.com for the Rusnak family.