Judith “Judy” Bussan

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Judith “Judy” Bussan, 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 15, 2026, at Luther Manor in Asbury, Iowa. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may call after 9 AM until the time of mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. Born June 17, 1942, in Galena, IL, Judy was the oldest child of Elizabeth “Betty” and George Houtakker, both of whom preceded her in death.She married Terrance “Terry” Bussan on September 2, 1963, and together they shared 36 beautiful years of marriage. He preceded her in death on December 10, 1999. Judy began her professional life as a beautician before eventually running the family hardware business alongside her beloved late husband, Terry. Later, she found great pride in her work at Holland’s in Galena, where she helped customers thoughtfully design kitchens and baths. In retirement, she continued caring for her community by volunteering at the Galena Area Food Pantry. She was a woman of remarkable strength and resiliency. Strong-willed, sharp-minded, and endlessly capable. There was rarely a problem she could not solve or something around the house she could not fix herself. Throughout her life, she brought that same determination and devotion into both her work and the way she loved her family. If you knew Judy – or ever drove past her home on Franklin St – you knew her yard was her sanctuary. Lovingly cultivated season after season with patience, precision, and pride, she found so much joy in tending to her garden, where every flower bed and rose bush was perfectly kept. Her yard reflected the care and attention she brought to everything. She believed a home should feel warm and welcoming, and nowhere was that more evident than in her kitchen, where she created unforgettable meals for family and friends. Fresh herbs from her garden often found their way into the dishes she prepared, blending her love of gardening and cooking. She is survivedby her children, Craig (Rhonda) Bussan and Tracy (Miles) Doyle, grandchildren Alex and Megan Bussan and Jacob Doyle, brother Jim (Shirley) Houtakker, sister Kathy (Stephen) Napp, special friend & companion, Charles “Charlie” Birkett, along with many nieces and nephews.  The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Luther Manor, and most recently, Hospice of Dubuque, for the compassion, care, and support they provided to Judy over the last nine years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Galena Area Food Pantry in her name.