Gerda Irena Barbara Rusnica

OXFORD, MA – Gerda “Oma” Irena Babara Rusnica, 85, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025 in Worcester, MA. She was born in Aschaffenberg, Germany and was the daughter of the late Justina and Richard Zeiss.

After immigrating to the US in 1964, Gerda worked at the Dunbar Shop in Schenectady, NY. She was self-taught, mastered speaking English while becoming a US citizen. Gerda raised her only daughter and her two cherished grandchildren as an important part of their lives. She taught them love, respect, work hard, give it your best most importantly, be kind.

An artist at heart, she had beautiful handwriting and loved puzzles, knitting and crocheting. Gerda was a woman of strong faith in God and sang in the church choir. She was an avid baker and made the most delicious German cookies and apple pie. Those who knew Gerda described her as the sweet little German lady who was so kind and adored by many.

Gerda “Oma” is survived by her daughter Diana (Jeffrey) O’Connor, grandchildren Nathaniel (Zahra Norri - O’Connor and Delainey O’Connor (Stephen Martinez). She is the sister of Heinz (Gelinda) Zeiss and the late Franz, Horst, and Fritz Zeiss and Renate Thiele. Gerda is the aunt of Christoph, Claudia and many nieces and nephews in her homeland in Germany. She is also survived by JoMarie, Chris, Jacob, Caleb and Anna Either and extended Fragomeni and Restifo families.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend graveside services on Saturday morning at 10:00 am at St. Agnes Cemetery, mausoleum, Menands. Memorial contributions may be made to Schenectady NY Domestic Women’s Shelter, https://www.domesticshelters.org/fundraisers/domesticshelters-org/donate#one in memory of Gerda Rusnica, a grateful survivor. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com