Clara L. (Costello) Rusin

CLARA LOUISE (COSTELLO) RUSIN AUBURN, NY - Clara Rusin, 89, of Auburn, NY, passed away February 15, 2023 while being treated at Fingerlakes Center for Living.

She is survived by her son John Rusin of Auburn, NY, daughters Mary (Wayne) Pisano of Easton, PA, Claire Rusin of Auburn, NY, and Nancy (Randy) Gable of Auburn, NY ; grandchildren Claire Pisano of Jersey City, NJ, Valerie (Douglas) Scott of Pipersville, PA, Alex (Taylor) Pisano of Lake Ariel, PA, Rick Swientonioski of Rochester, NY, Grace Swientonioski of Auburn, NY, Leah Rusin of Rochester, NY; great grandson Jackson Douglas Scott of Pipersville, PA; fur baby Sam; sister-in-laws Joan and Liz Rusin, both of Auburn, NY; 42 nieces and nephews, and countless grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband John Rusin of Auburn, NY, son David Rusin of East Rochester, NY, parents Joseph and Clara Youtt Costello of Auburn, NY, brothers Joseph, William (Whitey), John (Jack), and Thomas Costello, all of Auburn, NY. 

Clara was a lifelong resident of Auburn and graduated from Holy Family High School. A congregant of St. Aloysius Church from birth until it closed in 1995, she prayed to Saint Teresa daily while wearing her scapular. She was a member of The Rosary Altar Society, sang in the church choir, excelled at cooking and baking (Tom Weed was addicted to her pigs-in-a-blanket), had a great sense of humor and was a practical joker, always made extra food for the homeless people who knocked on our apartment door regularly, thinking our house was part of the church next door, was a Girl Scout leader for severely mentally challenged girls, loved working for the Board of Elections, was an active member of the PTA, was a room mother many, many times, was a big Fox News fan, had a green thumb with gardening, did couponing/canning/garage sales/rummage sales to save money, volunteered at the free clothing center at Holy Family Church, made contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital since its inception and to the African missions for starving children, took care of both parents when they were in their last days, had extensive knowledge of the family tree, and was a companion to her favorite child, John, through the years. She loved all her children and was heartbroken at the loss of David in 2019. She was fortunate to have daughter Nancy, whose nursing background proved helpful with her personal care and medical appointments when she was no longer physically independent, and daughter Claire who was handy around the house and helped assure that she got quality care daily during the last months of her illness. She adored her grandchildren Grace and Rick, Claire, Valerie, and Alex, and in the last two years she loved her great grandson, Jackson. First questions/thoughts to family visitors were about Jackson. She would often say he will teach the teachers. She loved her daily visits with her daughter, Claire, who showed her Jackson’s photos and videos, frequently FaceTiming him, and hearing little things NeeNee (Mary) would tell Claire about him. One of our fondest memories will always be her 89th birthday celebration on January 15th at Fingerlakes Center for Living. Claire and Nancy bought her a cake to share with other patients, balloons, new clothing, had her hair and makeup done, added some really cool sunglasses to the mix, had her dog Sam as the special guest as she had not seen her since December 2, and the staff made a big deal over her. She was ecstatic and the photos we have will always remind us of that day! 

Calling hours will be held Monday, February 20, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Heieck-Pelc Funeral Home, 42 E Genesee St, Auburn, NY; a mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 10am in Holy Family Church 85 North St, Auburn, NY; burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fleming. In lieu of flowers please make donations at St. Jude (stjude.org / St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) or The Matthew House (MatthewHouse.org / The Matthew House, 43 Metcalf Dr, Auburn, NY 13021) 

A heartfelt thank you to the outstanding staff at Fingerlakes Center for Living. Their professionalism, caring hands, and loving words have given us comfort in knowing she had the best care possible in her last days. 

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