Ann Colleen Buisker, 68, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at her home at Stepping Stones of Rockford, Illinois.

Ann was born in Freeport, Illinois at St. Francis Hospital to Benjamin and Doris Buisker. She graduated from Freeport High School in 1973 and attended Brown's Business College where she studied Shorthand and Data Entry. After graduation, Ann worked for Interstate Motor Freight in Downers Grove, Illinois as a dispatcher and data entry operator.

While Ann never had the easiest life due to mental health challenges, she found joy in the small things. She loved to reminisce about the homemade meals her mother always made and the places she had seen up close during her travels. She enjoyed her morning coffee (her favorite was always from McDonald's) and loved to cook and bake.

She shared the cookies, cakes, and brownies she made with her neighbors. She wrote handwritten cards for every holiday and loved to decorate her apartment for every season. One of her favorite questions was: "What have you been cooking lately?" She not only took an interest in everyone's day-to-day life and traditions but was always on the hunt for the perfect gifts for those she loved.

Ann enjoyed watching Hallmark movies, cooking shows, and NFL football. And unlike everyone else in her family who enthusiastically cheer for the Green Bay Packers, she stayed loyal to her home state and cheered on the Bears. She never minded being a contrarian.

Ann was kind, thoughtful, and honest. You never had to guess exactly what she was thinking. And despite circumstances that would leave so many without hope, she continued to see good in the world. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her sister, Sally Farris of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother Erich (Jannelle) Buisker of Forreston, Illinois, five nieces Christa (William) Banister, Lindsey (Shayne) McCormick, Delaney Buisker, Trese Buisker, and Kayla Buisker, and two nephews Casey Farris and Chance Buisker.

She was preceded in death by her parents.  A private service will take place on Tuesday, July 16 in Lanark, Illinois