Suzannah Sisler

Suzannah Rose (Bussan) Sisler passed away on October 6, 2026 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI after two-years facing cancer with extraordinary courage, grace, and optimism. It is not surprising that she met her struggle calmly and bravely. She and her resilience were always an inspiration to her family in good and in difficult times.

Suzannah was born on April 10, 1944 to Harold and Gretchen (Yarg) Bussan in Dubuque, IA. She grew up in Peoria, IL. When she was 15 years old, her father passed away, and the family moved to Galena, IL where both of her parents had grown up. She graduated from Clarke College in Dubuque, IA where she met her husband, Gary Sisler, who attended and graduated from nearby Loras College.

Suzannah taught for Church Day Nurseries and was a reading specialist with the Madison Metropolitan School District. She also greatly enjoyed her work as a floral designer with Felly’s Flowers. She was an active member of Queen of Peace Parish and was always available to help in school or Sunday school activities. Along with Gary, she led activities for children in the MSCR Saturday School Community Recreation Program and High School European Travel Programs.

Her family and friends remember her creativity and passion for the arts and outdoor world. Her day was always full with projects: sewing, crafts, and visual arts. She was a drama major and reading teacher, and shared a love for books and performance with her own children and grandchildren. She spent countless hours in the garden, helping us see natural beauty all around us.

Suzannah is survived by her husband, Gary Sisler; son, Paul (Jennifer) Sisler; daughter, Shannah Garofalo; grandchildren, Nicco and Mia Garofalo, and Evan and Graham Sisler; and siblings, Mimi and Tom Bussan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; aunt and uncle, Rosie and Deloss Allen; and son-in-law, JP Garofalo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm on Wed. Oct. 21 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 Owen Dr., Madison, WI with Father Jay Poster presiding. A visitation will take place from 11:00-12:00 at the church. Interment will be at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Galena, IL.

In Suzannah’s memory, donations may be made to Olbrich Botanical Gardens or the Madison Public Schools Foundation.

For more information or to leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center

6728 Mader Drive

608-274-1000