Elayne Rusnak 1935-2025

Daughter of Ruth and Morris Friedman, Elayne was a graduate of The Rayen 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 office of 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 preceded 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 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the Itts Memorial Chapel at Anshe Emeth Cemetery on Granada Avenue in Youngstown. Friends and family can visit from 10:30 to 10:55 a.m. in the chapel.

Contributions in memory of Elayne may be made to Temple El Emeth, 3970 Logan Way, Youngstown, OH 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

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