Gloria Lorraine Rusta

Gloria Lorraine Rusta passed away on March 1, 2013 at her home in Burbank, CA of natural causes at age 64. She was born on December 22, 1948 in Trenton, NJ as the youngest child of Andrew and Nellie Barna, and grew up in Hamilton Township, NJ. She graduated from Cathedral H. S. in Trenton in 1966 and later studied at Temple University, New York University, and the University of Maryland. In California, she completed paralegal training at the California State University and was employed during her career by several nationally recognized law firms as a senior legal assistant. She retired from the Santa Monica office of Bryan Cave LLP in 2012 where she worked in franchising law. Earlier, she worked on global energy projects in Washington, DC, and entertainment law matters in Los Angeles. Her first job was as a secretary with the RCA Astro Electronics Division in East Windsor, NJ where she met Douglas Rusta, a senior engineer, whom she would later marry. Gloria came to California in 1974 with Doug when he accepted employment at TRW Space & Electronics in Redondo Beach. Gloria joined the legal department of the Southern California Gas Company at the same time. The marriage did not last and they divorced some years later. Gloria then devoted herself to her strong interests in animals and animal photography. She traveled to most of the important Zoos throughout the nation, limited only by the need to care for her own house pets: Punkin and Chelsea--lovable Silky Terriers--and a couple of rather independent cats, all of whom are now gone. She often traveled to San Diego to experience its wildlife attractions and to take pictures. She made many friends among folks with similar affection for animals and concern for their care. This was also true for her visits to the Los Angeles Zoo which was not far from her home. Nevertheless, it is felt appropriate that her final resting place be in San Diego, near the animals she loved. Gloria was a strong, intelligent, competent, and independent woman who was sweet and funny in moments of relaxation. She is survived by her sister, Marie Brady, of Belle Mead, NJ, and her brother, Andrew M. Barna, of The Colony, TX, and many nieces and nephews. They, and others who have been close to her over the years, will miss her greatly. Donations, made in her name, to the American Heart Association, will be appreciated. A Memorial Service for Gloria will be held Saturday May 11, 2013 at 11:00 am at Merkley Mitchell Mortuary 3655 Fifth Ave San Diego, California 92103 (619) 295-2177