Elayne Rusnak

Elayne Rusnak, a lifelong resident of Youngstown, passed away unexpectedly on July 5, 2025. She was 89 years old. Daughter of Ruth and Morris Friedman, Elayne was a graduate of Rayen High School and attended Indiana University where she received an Associate Degree in Medical Technology. Elayne married her husband Jack in 1956 and they enjoyed a long and happy marriage filled with family and good friends until his death in 2012. Elayne was a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and GiGi. She took pride in her family and in creating beautiful holiday celebrations over these many years. Her cranberry Jell-O at Thanksgiving and her matzah ball soup at Passover were family favorites that brought everyone together around the table. She was a wonderful cook who loved to try new recipes and host with warmth and generosity. Elayne was also a devoted friend. She maintained long and meaningful friendships that spanned many decades - relationships filled with love, laughter, support, and shared history. Her loyalty, warmth, and thoughtfulness made her a beloved part of so many lives. Elayne was a medical secretary at the offices Drs. Ghani and Smith. Throughout her life, Elayne was deeply committed to helping others. She loved volunteering - especially in her cherished Youngstown community, where she lived her entire life. In her later years, she gave her time to the Butler Museum of American Art Gift Shop and the Youngstown Jewish Community Center. She enjoyed her book group and had a passion for watching documentaries, always curious to learn more. Elayne and Jack were Youngstown Symphony season ticket holders for decades and were lifelong members of Temple El Emeth where Elayne was a constant presence and could often be found traying cookies and participating in services and programs. Elayne was proceeded in death by her husband Jack, parents Ruth and Morris Friedman, her sister Vilma Linder and her beloved daughter Robyn Rusnak- Riley. She is survived by her children Jill (Stephen), Joel (Cheryl) and Albert Riley as well as her grandchildren Benjamin Cahn (Abigail), Michelle Cahn (Jackson Laskey) Isaac Rusnak, and Jenna Cahn (Lindsay Altschuld), her great-grandchildren Ella Cahn, Jack Cahn and Baby Cahn Laskey, due in October. She is also survived by her nieces Shelley Handler, Susan Rozanczyk and Lori Linder, who she thought of as daughters, and her sister-in-law Florine Rusnak (Robert deceased). Our hearts are broken at the loss of dear Elayne; she will be missed each and every day. Service will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, July 8th in Itts Memorial Chapel, Anshe Emeth Cemetery on Granada Avenue in Youngstown. Friends and family can visit from 10:30am to 10:55am in the chapel. Contributions in memory of Elayne may be made to Temple El Emeth, 3970 Logan Way, Youngstown, Ohio 44505. Professional arrangements are being handled by Shriver -Allison- Courtley-Weller -King Funeral Home Friends and family may view this obituary and share memories and condolences at www.shriverallisoncourtleyfuneralhome.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elayne Rusnak, please visit our floral store.