Shawnee Rusinski

Shawnee Marie Rusinski (Shaffer), 53, of Great Falls passed away at her home Sunday May 11, 2014. A memorial service will be held Monday, May 19, 2014 at 2:30 pm at O’Connor Memorial Chapel. O’Connor Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Shawnee was born July 11, 1960 to Orren and Frances Shaffer in Anaconda, MT. She was raised in Anaconda and graduated from Anaconda High School. She moved to Great Falls, with her husband Jerry Rusinski (later divorced) and they had two daughters and one son. Shawnee worked many different jobs throughout her life, but her greatest accomplishment was being a mother. Shawnee enjoyed being a “dance mom”, spending time with her family, singing, acting, and dancing. She had a great love for animals and loved all of her “fur babies” especially her dog, Squirt, and her cats, Clover and Cleo. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandson Sylas, who lovingly named her his “Ma Caw”. Shawnee is survived by her son, Jacob Rusinski of Helena; daughters Jerin (Michael) Davidson and Jorri Rusinski both of Great Falls; sisters Sylvia (John) Halko and Terri (Jim) Jacobson; brother Tracy Shaffer; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nephew “Mi-Mi’s Boy” Seamus; grandson “Ma Caw’s Boy” Sylas; and step-grandchildren Hailey and Jeidyn. She is also survived by her lifelong best friend Tracy Moneypenny. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orren and Frances Shaffer. She will also be meeting her “fur babies” Jasper, Jo-Jo, Gus, Koi, and Chloe at the Rainbow Bridge. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the local Great Falls Animal Shelter.