Diane R. Brys passed away at the age of 74 on June 17, 2026 in Madison, WI after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on September 4, 1951 in Union Grove, Illinois to Alfred and Anna Helen (Heflin) Teson.

Diane graduated from Juneau High School in 1969. After high school, she went to the University of Wisconsin – Madison and obtained a degree in special education, later attaining her master’s degree. Diane had a long career as a special education teacher. She started her career in Kettle Moraine and Waterloo, where she met several lifelong friends. After taking time off to start a family, Diane returned to teaching at Hawthorne Elementary, where she spent the remainder of her career. She was a caring and dedicated educator who touched many lives.

On June 7th, 1975, Diane married the love of her life, Tom Brys in Monona, WI. They had two beautiful children, Nicole and Adam. She loved gardening, traveling, and spending time at the family’s cottage in Westfield, WI. Diane was a devoted grandmother and enjoyed coming up with games and activities for family gatherings. We will miss her creative spirit and playfulness.

Diane courageously survived multiple bouts with cancer dating back to 2007 showing nothing but strength and poise. She became very involved in the local cancer community, sharing her experiences for medical educational purposes and providing support for countless others with similar struggles.

In addition to her husband, Tom, Diane is survived by her children Nicole and Adam (Stephanie) Brys and her grandchildren, Ayden Eppert, Jacob and Marlena Brys, and PJ Brys-Werzinske. She is also survived by her siblings Karen (Charlie) Pieper, Marian Teson, Raymond (Laurie) Teson, and Alice (Steve) Gentz and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Anna Helen (Heflin) Teson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Family will greet Diane’s loved ones from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Madison.

A luncheon will follow at the Vintage Brewing Company, 674 S. Whitney Way, Madison, WI - from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.

Diane's service will be live streamed. Click on the following link to register: Live Stream

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carbone Cancer Center, the Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Association, or the Hawthorne Elementary Endowment Fund.

Diane’s gentle and caring spirit touched many lives, and she will be greatly missed by many.

Please share your memories of Diane by posting in her guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434