Captain Martha Anne Rusnak

Captain Martha Anne Rusnak, CRNA, USN (Retired)

Captain Martha Anne Rusnak, 85, retired U.S. Navy Nurse Corps Officer and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), went to her heavenly home peacefully, to be with her daddy, her mother and older sister, Mary, on March 24, 2026, in Fair Oaks, California. She was surrounded by her amazing care giver Marilou, her loving friend Laurie and her faithful Miniature Schnauzer Boutzie.

She was born on February 7, 1941, in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, to the late John P. and Mary S. (Susko) Rusnak. Martha graduated from Philipsburg State Hospital School of Nursing, George Washington University School of Medicine to become a CRNA, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree at California State University at Northridge and a Master of Health Education from Chapman University. She was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for 41 years during which time she was commissioned into the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. Martha served 26 years of service, 8 years of active duty and 18 years of reserve, retiring as a Captain in 1991. Her assignments included serving at Naval Hospital Newport, Rhode Island, as a Lieutenant Commander treating Vietnam wounded warriors from June 1965 to August 1973. In 1973 she entered the reserves as a Captain until August of 1990. She then entered active duty and was deployed abroad to the Persian Gulf on the USNS Mercy ship in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August of 1990 until April of 1991.

As a Nurse Anesthetist she provided critical anesthesia care and humanitarian medical care to wounded warriors. Throughout her career, she [was] known for setting high standards in anesthesia care and mentoring young nurses who followed in her footsteps. Beyond her military service, her love of nursing brought her to Chapman University where she became a Director of Chapman University Academic Center and a Professor of Health Science Education. In all, she was a Registered Nurse practicing for 52 years. Martha was Clara’s House Clinical Coordinator for 3 years while on their Board of Directors and served in Clara’s House Primary Care Clinic for more than 4 years. She was known for her calm under pressure, her unwavering advocacy for patients, and as a devoted humanitarian, she was deeply committed to serving her community.

Active in her community after her military service her personal achievements include, St Mel Catholic Church Adult Choir for 15 years, Loaves and Fishes for 8 years, St Vincent de Paul over 11 years, Bishop Gallego’s Maternity Home for 5 years, The Gabriel Project The Helping Hand Project for 5 years and Meals on Wheels in the Fair Oaks community for over 5 years. She also became a Eucharistic Minister at St Mel and Mercy San Juan Hospital. Martha never married and never had children of her own, but she was never alone. There was always a pet in her life. Her most recent pet adoption was Boutzie, who became her shadow and constant companion for 16 years. In her spare time, she loved to travel, golf, play the organ and take long walks with her furry friends.

In her final years, Martha was blessed with Marilou, an amazing care giver whose kindness, patience and unwavering dedication brought comfort and dignity to Martha’s final days. Marilou treated Martha as family, holding her hands through painful nights, listening to her stories, singing songs with her, laughing at her jokes, making her favorite foods and ensuring she never felt alone. Our family is deeply grateful to Marilou for her extraordinary compassion and for giving Martha a peaceful and loving end to her remarkable life.

Martha is survived by her beloved brothers, Edward John Rusnak and John Paul Rusnak; her two nephews, Ed Rusnak and Keith Monroe; her nieces, Vicky Mikell, Mary Monroe and Jacqueline Monroe; her chosen family, Marilou and Boutzie, along with her countless number of friends and colleagues.

A celebration of life service was held on April 17, 2026, at St. Mel Church in Fair Oaks. 

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Noon, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, Tyrone Pike, Philipsburg. A Nightingale Tribute will be led by the Centre County Nurse Honor Guard, the Rite of Committal will be led by Rev. Matthias Rendon, O.F.M. and the services will conclude with military honors.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday from 11:00 to 11:30 am, at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made in Martha’s memory to Clara’s House at http://www.clarashouse.org; or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.beezerheathfh.com.

Martha’s legacy of service, compassion and excellence in anesthesia care and her unwavering commitment to helping others will live on in those she served. Fair seas and calm wind, Captain Rusnak, good job Boutzie and thank you Marilou.