Jacquelyn S. “Susan” KOONTZ

16 OCT 1939 - 12 MAR 2018

• BIRTH: 16 OCT 1939, Union City, Randolph, IN
• DEATH: 12 MAR 2018, Mishawaka, Indiana

• MARRIAGE: 30 DEC 1972

1.  Jessica BUYSSE

INDEX

[N18930] Jacquelyn S. “Susan” Buysse
October 16, 1939-March 12, 2018
Mishawaka-Jacquelyn S. “Susan” Buysse, 78, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2018 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka. Susan was born on October 16, 1939 in Union City, IN to Lowell and Donna Jeannette “D.J.” (Turner) Koontz. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, John Koontz, and a daughter, Gigi Brownlee. On December 30, 1972 she married August “Gus” Buysse. He survives along with a daughter, Jessica (Ryan) Buysse-Clark; son, Chris (Kimberly) Brownlee; two grandchildren, Logan and Evan Clark. Susan graduated from Bremen High School and pursued her passion for theatre and dance at Goodman Theatre in Chicago. Susan made her way to Hollywood as most young actresses do, performing on stage along the way. She later earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from IUSB. Susan volunteered many years of service as the official scorekeeper for the I.C.C.L Basketball League and was usually seen keeping the “books” alongside her husband as he coached various athletic teams for St. Bavo’s, Southwest Little League and Marian High School. She loved mentoring children and volunteered in the classroom at St. Bavo’s. Susan is well remembered for her dramatic flair and flamboyant personality, playing video games and role playing, her warm smile and her impeccable attention to detail. She was a walking dictionary and had an ear for languages as she was fluent in Latin, French, Spanish and dabbled in German and Russian, all self-taught. She had an intense thirst for knowledge, authored children’s stories, and an avid reader. Susan’s ability to embody a story and bring the characters to life as she read to her children and grandchildren is a testament to her theatrical passion and love for adventure. Her imagination knew no bounds as she embraced Walt Whitman’s desire to “…suck out all the marrow of life…” Her free spirit now soars in the heavens looking down upon us with love. She is beloved by her grandchildren and her family. She was a devoted mother and wife and loved felines big and small. As per Susan’s wishes, there will be no visitation and no services. Cremation will take place. Donations are welcome in memory of Susan at the St. Joseph County Humane Society or at Goodman Theatre in Chicago. Hahn Funeral Home, Mishawaka has been entrusted with handling the final arrangements. To leave the family an online condolence, please visitwww.hahnfuneralhomes.com.