Maria Elizabeth Rusinek

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maria Elizabeth Rusinek, who entered eternal rest on February 13, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on November 2, 1941, in Krakow, Poland, Maria lived a life full of kindness, devotion, and unwavering love for her family and faith. Maria’s journey began in Krakow, Poland where she spent her childhood and eventually attended nursing school. Her passion for nursing brought her to Detroit, Michigan, where she completed her nursing residency at Harper Hospital. She dedicated her career to caring for others. She worked as an operating nurse at Wayne County General Hospital, and later at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, always giving her all to help those in need. The greatest joy in Maria’s life was her family. She was blessed to share over 40 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved late husband, Stanley J. Rusinek, whom she met in Poland. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Maria was the proud and devoted mother of her son, Christopher Rusinek, an ophthalmologist in Cary, North Carolina. Her love and dedication to Christopher were unmatched, and this devotion extended wholeheartedly to her cherished grandchildren, Benjamin and Molly, who never failed to bring a radiant smile to her face. Maria lived her life with a heart full of generosity. She was a devout Catholic, attending Mass every Sunday and volunteering with the church to bring communion to those who could not attend. She also spent time visiting the sick in hospitals, offering comfort and companionship to those in need. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—gardening, keeping an immaculate and welcoming home, taking peaceful walks on the beach, and sharing daily strolls with her beloved dog, Tipsy. She was always able to find peace and tranquility in the beauty of nature. Above all, Maria will be remembered for her selflessness, always putting others before herself, and for the warmth and kindness that she brought to everyone she met. Maria cherished the friendships that she made throughout her life, from Poland to her hospital coworkers, to her neighbors in both Plymouth, MI and Cary, NC, and to her extended family. Maria leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her devoted late husband, Stanley J. Rusinek; her son, Christopher S. Rusinek and daughter-in-law, Erin Rusinek; her treasured grandchildren, Benjamin and Molly; her dear brother, Anatol Styka; and countless friends and loved ones. Though our hearts are heavy with her passing, we take comfort in knowing that Maria’s love, faith, and kindness will live on in the lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace. A funeral Mass will be held in her honor at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Cary, North Carolina on Monday, February 24th at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association, reflecting Maria’s lifelong commitment to helping others.

Maria Elizabeth Rusinek

November 2, 1941 - February 13, 2025