Isabell Buffat

Isabell Mayoral Buffat, 86, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, drew her last breath in her home surrounded by loved ones, 18 years to the day of her mother’s passing. Isabell was born at home in San Antonio, Texas, the first child of José (“Joe”) Garcia Mayoral and Eugenia (“Jean”) Sada Menchaca Mayoral.

Isabell grew up in south central Illinois, in a small town aptly named Centralia. After a friend invited her to church, she soon came to love Sunday school, youth groups, and found a home away from home at First Presbyterian Church -- not to mention eventually falling in love with the preacher's son. She graduated from Centralia High School in 1953, from Centralia Junior College on the Dean’s list in 1955, and from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, in 1957 with a degree in elementary education.

On August 18, 1957, she wed Roy Samuel (“Sam”) Buffat, Jr. and embarked on her life as a mother and partner in ministry with Sam at five Presbyterian faith communities, as well as her career as a Head Start teacher and elementary teacher. Her passion and commitment to equity issues spearheaded her involvement in numerous women’s groups, bible studies, friendship circles, and to attend the 2003 national Presbyterian Women’s gathering with her daughter Elise. Isabell’s love of music was evident early on when she learned to play the violin and sang in youth choirs. Over the years numerous church choirs, hand bell choirs, and community orchestras benefited from her gifts and musical talents. By far, however, her greatest loves were her children and grandchildren.

Isabell is survived by her husband Sam and four children, Mark (Sally), Drew (Rashel), Elise (Timothy) Buffat Nelson, and Paul (Jennifer). Her beloved grandchildren are Eli, Micah (Lynsey), Sarah, Adam, Rebecca, Max, Mia, Ana, Isaac, Zoe and Lina.

Isabell was preceded in death by her infant daughter Jean Helen, her parents, and her brothers Joseph (“Joe”) and Peter (“Pete”).

A joyful celebration of her life will be held with gathering from 10-11AM on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at Westminster Presbyterian Church,4100 Nakoma Rd, Madison, WI 53711, and service to begin at 11:00 AM.

Memorials may be made to Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center , Agrace Hospice or Westminster Presbyterian Church .