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.
Born in Philipsburg, PA on February 7, 1941, to John and Mary 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, RI 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 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 will be held at 11:00 am on April 17, 2026 at St Mel Church in Fair
Oaks, CA followed by a memorial with full military honors at 11:00 am on May 13, 2026 at Beezer-Heath Funeral Home in Philipsburg,
PA. 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.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Clara’s House at www.clarashouse.org or to
your favorite charity.