Florence Brisky

On February 25, 2015, Florence "Rusty" McCarthy Brisky joined her beloved husband "Brisky" and her cherished daughter, Theresa, in Everlasting Life. Preceding her in death were her siblings Leo, George, Joe, Theresa and Dolores McCarthy. Also her grandson Dusty Brisky, granddaughter Danielle Brisky and great granddaughter Ava Portalatin plus many family members and close friends.

Rusty was born in poverty in Philadelphia, PA, on Oct. 2, 1925. After enduring a hard childhood, as soon as she could she joined the Women's Army Corps (WACs) at the height of WWII. Never having been out of Philadelphia, she was suddenly shipped to Ft. Oglethorpe, GA for training and then assigned to the first group of WACs stationed at Fort McDowell, Angel Island, San Francisco. It was there she met the young Corporal Walter Brisky. Married on Feb. 10, 1945, their union lasted 59 yrs until his death in 2004. Together they forged thru a difficult but ultimately successful life, with much credit due to Rusty's strong will power and determination. In 1958 they took an incredible and courageous leap of faith by moving the family from Granite City, IL, to the very tip of Texas, Brownsville. Even with minimal education, Rusty passed the insurance licensing test on her first try. Together they established the Brisky Insurance Agency in Brownsville. Built on integrity and hard work, it lasted 17 years and is the foundation of Brisky Perez Insurance, in its 29th year. Rusty loved the beach, fishing, and traveling. Through her adult life, but especially in her retirement years, gardening was her passion, loving bare sticks into beautiful trees, bushes and flowers. Her lemon tree will not be forgotten! Her primary goal in life was to have a strong, close family in the face of any financial, health, or external crisis. She always encouraged her children to get an education, work hard, and live successful, contented lives.

Florence is survived by her dearest sister, Barbara Chabert and family. Mom is survived by 5 daughters, Marie Gray (Corky), Toni Vaclavik (Bill), Patti Brotherton (Bill), Barbara Barrera (Charlie), and Linda Perez (Albert) and 4 sons, Robert (Sun), Philip (Lois), Bill (Victoria), and Mike (Judy). Grandmom is survived by 18 grandchildren and 8 greatgrandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. Rusty is survived by dear friends, including Vangie Lopez.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Veronica and Brenda Munoz, Francisca Bautista, and the Gentiva Hospice staff; her doctors, Juan Martinez, Brian O'Donnell, and James Castillo; and especially Victoria and Bill for the loving care they gave in her last months of life.

Visitation 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Trevino Funeral Home South Chapel, 1355 Old Port Isabel Rd., Brownsville, Texas 78521. (956)542-2583.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, Saturday, February 28, 2015 in the Mausoleum Chapel of Holy Cross Cemetery, followed by a Chapel Service beginning at 10:30 am. Rite of Committal with Military Honors to immediately follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, TX 78266.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Honors Air Flight,(Att: Diane Gresse, 300 E. Auburn Ave., Springfield, OH 45505) Wounded Warriors (P.O.Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675) or any Veterans organization.