History & Staff

Personalized service options allow you to honor your loved ones in a way that is both meaningful and healing. We hope to provide support and caring while delivering memorial services that celebrate life and help families find the peace they deserve.
If you’re seeking an honorable celebration of life, we invite you to learn more about where we came from, our vision, and the dedicated people behind our work.

A History of Caring

Warren Pope Brusie graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and moved to Chico to acquire an interest in the funeral home in 1941. In 1942, Warren P. Brusie became the sole owner of the funeral home with his wife, Helen Brusie. Warren and Helen raised two children, Warren and Saralee. Warren P. Brusie expanded his business in 1959, by establishing a new cemetery in Chico, Glen Oaks Memorial Park . 

Warren Albert Brusie, followed in his father's footsteps and graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. He returned to Chico and worked with his father in the business until his father passed away in 1970, at the age of 61, leaving his son to run the business at the young age of 27. At the time, Warren A. Brusie and his wife, Anne Brusie, had two young children, Marc and Amy Brusie. Warren continued to run the business as his father had until his son joined him in 1990 and his daughter in 1992. Marc and Amy Brusie both became licensed Funeral Directors. Marc Brusie worked with his father at the funeral homes and Amy Brusie worked at the cemetery. In 1994, they purchased Chico Cemetery and Bidwell Chapel from Victor Van Hook. 

Marc Brusie married his wife, Janice in 1995. Janice Brusie joined the business as the Chief Finanical Officer in 2000. Marc and Janice plan to continue to run the business with the same values as Marc's grandfather and father- personal service, integrity, and commitment to the community. 

Our Staff’s Dedication to Respectful Care

A funeral, or memorial service, should provide family members and loved ones with the chance to reflect, remember, and celebrate a life well-lived. Our goal is to create exceptional services and experiences that fulfill the wishes of your loved one. Our experienced Funeral Directors provide guidance on the crucial first steps toward healing.

Amber Rodriguez
Location Leader



Tzeitel Wendel
Lead Funeral Director

Tzeitel was born in Chico raised in Paradise. In 2001 she graduated form Paradise High School. Tzeitel then attended San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and was in the last graduating class before the college closed in 2002. She worked as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in Chico for 5 years before picking up and moving to Portland, Oregon to become a commercial baker. After an eight year hiatus from the funeral industry she returned home to Chico to join the Brusie Funeral Home team in 2015. In 2022 Tzeitel was promoted to Lead Funeral Director.

​In addition to embalming and making funeral arrangements with families, she oversees the schedule and activities of the funeral directors and arrangers. In her time away from work Tzeitel enjoys exercising and spending time with her friends.



Marc Brusie
Funeral Director

Marc was born and raised in Chico. Marc has worked at Brusie Funeral Home since 1992 as a licensed Funeral Director and Manager. Marc is a member of Chico Elks Lodge #423. Marc is a member of Chico Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris fellow.



Todd Waters
Funeral Arranger

Todd was born and raised in Chico, graduating from Chico High School in 1983. He began his career as a funeral arranger at Brusie Funeral Home in 1993. Todd’s emphasis on customer service and attention to detail are evident in the many glowing thank you cards that he regularly receives from satisfied families.

In his time away from work Todd enjoys trailer camping with friends.



Elliot Maldonado
Funeral Arranger



Jessy Maice
Lead Administrator

Jessy is the Lead Administrative Assistant for Brusie Funeral Homes and Cemeteries with over a decade’s worth of administrative experience, including urgent care office management and administrative back office at UCLA.

Jessy achieved an honors degree in Criminal Justice at California State University Dominguez Hills, an Associate's Degree in Paralegal, and an Associate's Degree in Legal Studies from Cuesta College. While completing her Bachelor's Degree she interned at both the San Luis Obispo Courthouse and The Learning Rights Law Center in Downtown LA.

Jessy enjoys traveling with friends, country concerts, shopping, true crime, and most importantly spending time with her nieces and nephews.