Elizabeth "Betty" Rusin, 86, First woman to ever be appointed as the Hungarian chairperson at the Hungarian Reformed United Church of Christ
Elizabeth "Betty" Rusin (nee Chonko), age 86, of Lorain, died Saturday March 29, 2003 at Community Health Partners Hospital and Surgical Center following an extended illness. She was born December 25, 1916 in Lorain and had been a life-long resident of the city.Mrs. Rusin was employed as a seamstress for more than 44 years. First, with the Weitz Clothing Company and later the Joseph & Feiss Company. She retired in 1980.
She was an active member of the Hungarian Reformed United Church of Christ in Lorain where she served as a church elder and was the first woman to even be appointed as the Hungarian chairperson of the church; she held that position for twelve years. Two years ago she was appointed as Hungarian Chairperson Emeritus. She was also a member of the Busy Martha Guild of the church, a member of the Hungarian Sick Benefit Society, a member of the Hungarian Citizens' Club, and the Hungarian Council of Lorain. She enjoyed crocheting.
Survivors include a son: Andrew D. of Lorain, a daughter: Patricia Forbush of Elyria, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Andrew in 1974, by a grandson: Dean Forbush in 1991, by a brother: Steve Chonko, and by her sister: Helen Warner.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel - 3224 Broadway - Lorain where a memorial prayer service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in the Hungarian Reformed United Church of Christ - 1691 East 31st Street in Lorain. The Reverend Zoltan Kelemen, pastor of the West Side Hungarian Reformed Church in Cleveland will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery - Lorain.
The family suggests memorials in Mrs. Rusin's memory to the Hungarian Reformed United Church of Christ - 1691 East 31st Street - Lorain, OH 44055.