Iris Sue Buza, 52 of Terre Haute, passed away peacefully in the presence of her husband and daughters on Friday February 20, 2026. She was born on December 29, 1973 to Mary Helen (Jones) Pearman and Charles E. Pearman Jr. She was the youngest of five children and a 1992 graduate of Terre Haute North Vigo High School. On July 31, 1993 she married the love of her life, Steven John Buza Jr. and within a few years had two daughters, Kelsey and Kaley. She was a stay at home mom when her girls were young then worked at Denny’s for 16 years. She left to stay home again to pour her heart and time into her grandchildren, Noah, Luca and Kobe. She most recently worked at Bower’s 7th & 70, where she got to spend her days with her sister, brother-in-law and nephew. She especially enjoyed vacationing with her family, even though nothing ever went as planned. Although she wouldn’t drive outside of Terre Haute by herself, she was always so proud that she flew to Germany alone for the birth of her grandson, Luca. She loved watching Noah play basketball and football and rarely missed a game, only after her cancer diagnosis. She loved spending time with Kobe, watching him as he learned to crawl and walk. Her sister, Paula, was her best friend and considered her like a second mom since the passing of their mom in 2000. Iris was loved deeply by all who knew her and was even more beautiful on the inside than she was on the outside. She loved working outside in the yard, cleaning and organizing, shopping, and driving to surrounding areas with Steve trying new and different restaurants. More than anything she valued her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, “GiGi”, sister, aunt and friend. She was a true nurturer and her family mourns her loss but, takes comfort that she is no longer in pain. Her love will live on through their celebration and remembrance of her life and the legacy she leaves behind.

She is reunited in Heaven with her parents, brother Joseph Pearman, and brother-in-law Wayne Bower.

Iris is survived by her husband Steve, daughters Kelsey Buza, and Kaley Cortellini (Deylin), grandsons Noah Bell, Luca Cortellini, and Kobe Brown. She also leaves behind her siblings Paula Bower, Dianna Pearman, Chuck Pearman, brother-in-law Jamey Buza, mother-in-law Mary Myers, nieces and nephews DeLana Harkness, Adam Harkness (Amanda), Kate Smith (Jason), Ryan Harkness (Kacie), Zachary Buza and Aaron Bower and great nieces and nephews Rickey, Abby, Eli, Blake, Ethan, Cora, Paiton, and Bradyn and her best friend of 50 years, Tammy Hoopingarner.

The family would like to thank VNA Hospice of the Wabash Valley and her nurse, Rheagan, for compassion and care in her final days on this Earth. To honor Iris’ wishes, there will be no services but instead a private family dinner at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations made to VNA Hospice of the Wabash Valley.