Greta Olson Rusk, aged 90, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Monday afternoon, July 20, 2026.

The eldest of 3 girls, Greta was born in Chicago on December 28, 1935. She attended St. Scholastica High School while working part time at the Lady’s glove counter at Marshall Fields department store. Greta graduated with honors from Loyola University and proceeded to teach a class of 60 first graders in a Lincoln Park public school.

Married in 1958 to Tom, she started to build a life with him in Arlington Heights. A few years after adopting Gregory and Mary Christine from Catholic Charities, they decided to move to Long Grove. A year later, Lauren, their third adopted child, joined the family.

Greta and Tom joined St. Francis de Sales Parish in 1967, and Greta remained a member for 59 years.

Greta’s life can only be described as one of service and care for others. From her time as a first-grade teacher, her years as an occupational therapist at Maple Hill Nursing Home, her days as a substitute Spanish teacher at Carmel High School for Girls, and her 21 years on staff at St. Francis De Sales as Director of Care Ministries, Greta’s primary focus was on helping and loving others.

Greta’s greatest joy was her family. Greta strove to make sure everyone around her felt appreciated and loved. She made friends everywhere she went. She was especially interested in hearing about others’ cultures and customs and celebrating with them. Greta was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Greta was preceded in death by her former husband, Tom; her parents, Lowell and Lauretta Olson; and her sisters, Janice Bruozis, and Roberta Sweeney. She is survived by her children; Gregory (Heather) Rusk, Mary Christine Rusk, and Lauren (Kevin) Donnelly, her grandchildren; Gabriella (Mark) Roth, Nicholas (Diana) Rusk, Veronica Rusk, Olivia Donnelly, and Sawyer Donnelly, her great-grandchildren; Lydia Roth, and Luca Rusk, as well as her brother-in-law; John Sweeney, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at St. Francis De Sales Parish in Lake Zurich on Saturday, August 1st. Visitation will be at 10:00 am, followed by Mass at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gift of Adoption at https://giftofadoption.org/gretarusk