JEAN DRACON RUSTING, wife, mother, and educator passed away suddenly on February 22, 2006 after suffering a stroke. She was 70 years old.
A tireless advocate for children, teachers and librarians, Jean made lifelong commitments to educational excellence through her teaching, curriculum design, community activism, and great love of reading and writing. She was the loving wife of Joseph Rusting, to whom she was married for more than 45 years. Together they made their home in Oakland and raised five children. She went on to become a teacher and then a librarian. Most recently she taught at Montera Junior High School; prior to that she was at Havenscourt Middle School for 13 years, first as a teacher and later as a librarian, where she was responsible for reopening the school library. She taught for more than 19 years in the Oakland Public Schools.
A resident of California for more than 60 years, Jean was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Joseph and Gladys Dracon. She converted to Catholicism as a young woman, beginning a lifelong commitment to faith and ecumenical spirit that was reflected in her delight and respect for religious and cultural diversity, music and art. Jean attended St. Mary.s College in Leavenworth, Kansas and then attended Mills College. She graduated in 1987 with B.A. degree in English. She went on to earn her teaching credential at Holy Names College and her library credential from Sacramento State University.
Jean is survived by her husband, Joseph, her five children, Rachael, Andrew, Matthew, David, Mark John, and their spouses and families including five grandchildren, Brittany, Jesse, Emily, Jacob, and Hunter; and her brothers, John and Julian Dracon, and her sister, Mary Enig, and their spouses and families.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jean's life at the Funeral Mass to be held on Tuesday, February 28, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Names University Chapel, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland, CA. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Casa Vicentia in Oakland at (510) 729-0316, or the Alameda County Food Bank at (510) 635-3663.