Susan Claire Buttimer, 75, Of Bel Air

Susan (Phile) Buttimer of Bel Air, a musician, composer, and performer, died in Bel Air on June 5, 2019. Susan sang for years with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Chorus, where she was a soloist and section leader, and with the Concert Artists of Baltimore, where she also was a board member. She taught voice and piano, and was a prolific composer of vocal music. She was commissioned to compose and then conduct a choral and organ piece, Make a Joyful Noise, for the 200th anniversary of her church, the Bel Air United Methodist Church. Yearly she wrote original Christmas carols, and she also wrote poems, sermons and meditations.

After graduating in 1966 from Susquehanna University, she and Thomas W. Buttimer married in 1967. Born an only child in New Jersey, she grew up with a large extended family she valued throughout her life. An upbeat person, Susan weathered many life challenges. In quick succession she lost her parents Elizabeth Thaidigsman Phile and Joseph C. Phile Jr., and her husband Tom. Tom died in an accident in 1990. This same accident left her with severe head and throat injuries. Initially told she might never speak, sing, or play piano again, she nevertheless determined to recuperate. She recovered speech, resumed her teaching, and became the leader of music for the Mt. Carmel Chapel, and later resumed singing in the Bel Air United Methodist Church choir.

Susan was devoted to her faith, to her church and to sacred vocal music.

Her memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 at Bel Air United Methodist Church, 21 Linwood Ave., Bel Air MD.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Bel Air United Methodist Church.

— Obituary submitted by family