Bridget Marie Buysse, 56, of Washington, IL died peacefully at 10:40 pm Friday, June 2, 2023 at Carle Methodist in Peoria, IL, surrounded by her husband and their 3 sons.

Born on September 13, 1966 in Rockford, IL to Robert and Marilyn Quinn Downer, she married Robert "Rob" S. Buysse on September 19, 1992 in Rockford. He survives.

Also surviving are 3 sons; Robert "Robby" Buysse and Alexander "Alex" Buysse, both of Columbia, MO and Samuel "Sam" Buysse of Washington, IL, and her siblings; Deborah Downer of Rockford, IL, Kevin Downer of Durand, IL, and Mary (Bill) Marcille and Erin (Greg) Barker, both of Rockford, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Timothy Downer and sister, Dawn Callahan.

Bridget worked at Central School District 51 in Washington as a Speech-Language Pathologist since 2007. Prior to that, she worked in various roles at numerous health care facilities in Southern Indiana and Central Illinois, beginning in 1993. She was a member of St. Patrick Church in Washington.

Bridget was actively involved in the 2013 formation and implementation of the WEA51/IEA/NEA union at Central School District 51. She was an Association Representative for many years and was an integral member of several contract negotiation teams. Bridget also was a member of ASHA, American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

A funeral mass will be at 11 am Friday, June 9, 2023 at St. Patrick Church in Washington. Father John Steffen will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, where a rosary will begin at 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Colorectal Cancer Alliance 1025 Vermont Ave. NW Suite 1066, Washington D.C. 20005 or www.ccalliance.org