Carole Ann Marie (Zralka) Rusnak

Carole’s greatest love story began in childhood. She spent 68 wonderful years by the side of her childhood sweetheart and husband, Bryant. Their 59-year marriage was a masterclass in devotion, partnership, and enduring friendship.

A lifelong learner and teacher, Carole spent over 30 years shaping young minds in elementary education. Her classroom was a place of encouragement, reflecting her own belief in the potential of every child.

Beyond her professional life, Carole was a woman of vibrant energy who loved life. She was a fixture on tennis courts, golf courses, and shopping malls for many years and never turned down a game of bridge - provided her companions understood that the cards were just an excuse for a social gathering. An avid reader, she was rarely found without a good book nearby.

A firm believer that the world was the best classroom, Carole placed a high priority on travel and viewed the experiences gained through exploring new places as invaluable teaching moments. Long before the convenience of the internet, she poured countless hours into the hands-on work of mapping out every detail, meticulously crafting extraordinary adventures for her family from scratch.

When faced with significant health challenges, Carole braved them with the same incredible determination that defined her life. She refused to let the conditions dim her spirit or her wit; the example she set in handling them is one of the greatest lessons she leaves behind.

Her generosity, intelligence, sharp sense of humor, and boundless capacity to love are trademarks that will live on long past her time with us.

Carole is survived by her husband, Bryant; her daughter, Nicole (Browning); her grandchildren, Jack Browning and Caroline Browning ; and a wide circle of family, friends, and former students who were better for knowing her.

In honor of Carole’s determined spirit, the family suggests donations be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation or a literacy program of your choice.