Deanna Marie Rustay's Obituary
Deanna (nee: Fischer) Rustay, daughter of the late Robert J. Fischer and Alfreda Lucille (nee: Polewicz) Fischer, passed lovingly into The Father's arms on July 23, 2025 in Tavares, Florida.
Now reunited with her husband, James, who predeceased her in 2009, and grandson, Noah, in 2015, Deanna leaves behind three children to continue her legacy: Colleen (Brian) Carey, Kathleen Wieland and Dean (Edie) Rustay. And, with her children's children, Danielle Rustay, Clayton Carey, Lauren Carey, Tatianna Carey and Harrison (Weronika) Wieland, she continues to live amongst all of us who knew and loved her.
Deanna had an adventurous career in real estate, spanning 47 years of notable listings that awarded her accolades of being one of the best in reputation for "moving homes." She was born in Buffalo, New York, before moving with her family to Indiana, Colorado, Kansas, and, finally, to Florida where she had resided for the past 44 years. Never forgotten were the Canadian summers spent at the family cottage called "Shangrila" where Loons forever call you to return and a Bunk House that holds its secrets over Beaver Lake.
Throughout the many locations Deanna planted her roots, the place she called home was always amongst the many friends she had.
"Dee" was married to Jim for exactly 50 years, after blindly seeing him on their first date and knowing "he was the one."
Together, they grew their family, their future and a love story that has no final chapter. His name was one of her last words and most likely, the first face she saw after that of God.
There were many loves for Deanna in her lifetime. She loved dogs and always kept one, or two, padding along beside her. She loved the Roman Catholic faith that she practiced. She loved the beach and cloud formations. She loved F16 fighter jets but was always disappointed that she couldn't fly in one on the many travel vacations she went on. She had a passion for The Arts and was often front row for theatre, music and dance. In her early days, she sang with a band and later took up painting which she continued throughout her life. This legacy was passed to her children and grandchildren who became musicians and dancers with her influence and encouragement.
Services will be held at a later date in North Carolina where Deanna will be interred with her family in the Saluda Cemetery, Saluda, North Carolina.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that you offer one, daily prayer of thanksgiving for the days that you are given. And, if possible, adopt a dog, paint a picture, go to the theatre, sing a song, dance joyfully, play a piano, travel, see the cloud formations and believe, with all of your heart, that love endures forever.
What’s your fondest memory of Deanna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Deanna?
Share a story where Deanna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Deanna you’ll never forget.
How did Deanna make you smile?