JUSTINE RUSINKO

Justine Rusinko

August 17, 1934 – August 30, 2025

Justine Rusinko, a longtime resident of Yonkers, New York, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Regional Hospice in Danbury, Connecticut. She was 91 years old.

Born on August 17, 1934, in Krings, Pennsylvania, Justine was the daughter of the late George and Mary (Havrilak) Butchko. One of 16 children, she grew up in a large, Slovak family and was proud of her heritage.

A lifelong parishioner of St. Mary’s Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Justine was an active member who enjoyed volunteering their many events including their weekly bingo games, craft fairs, pierogi making, among many others. Her faith and service were at the heart of her life. Justine worked at Mo-Ray clothing store in Getty Square, Ciba-Geigy Corp., and was a devoted volunteer at St. John’s Riverside Hospital gift shop for 20 years.

Justine had many joys: baking, bingo, puzzles, trips to the casino, seniors and her nightly ritual of watching Jeopardy!—a time when everyone knew not to call between 7:00 and 7:30.

Above all, Justine’s greatest joy was her family. Known affectionately as “Baba” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was the heart of her family, lighting up every room with her warmth and playful spirit. She cherished time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, treasuring every story, photo, and shared laugh. Even at 91, she kept closely connected by texting, never missing a chance to cheer someone up or join in on a joke. Her sharp wit came through in the funny GIFs, emojis and one-liners she would send making her children and grandchildren laugh out loud. It was her way of showing love, and it made her presence felt every day.

Justine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; her son, Andrew; her parents, George and Mary Butchko; and her siblings Anna, George (Bucsko), Mary, Michael, Margaret, George, Helen, Joseph, Pauline, John, Eleanor, Elizabeth, Paul, and Stephen.

She is survived by her loving children: Paul Rusinko (Emma Mae) of Lee’s Summit, MO; Christine Brookins (Bob) of Indianapolis, IN; Susan Rusinko of Rockaway Park, NY; Barbara Haggerty of Mohegan Lake, NY; Dianne Triano (Thomas) of Wesley Chapel, NC; and daughter-in-law, Cathy Rusinko of Exton, PA. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, Christopher, Pam, Megan, Emily, Andrea, Drew, Alyssa, Christina, Jenna, Kelly, Danielle, and Nicole, along with her 11 great-grandchildren: Gabe, Gracie, Reid, Carson, Andy, Aiden, George, Alden, Evelyn, Reina, and Ryan. She leaves behind her sister Julie Mills, along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Justine’s memory to St. Mary’s Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church (Yonkers), the American Cancer Society, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Visitation for Justine will be in Duchynski-Cherko Funeral Home, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 3PM to 7PM, with Evening Panahyda Service at 6:30PM. Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church, at 10AM. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery.