Leone Philbeck Obituary

Leone "Lee" Philbeck
AIKEN - Leone Marie "Lee" Philbeck passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Aiken, South Carolina.
Born on August 11, 1933, in Evanston, Illinois, she was the daughter of Walter Frank Severin and Leonie Netschert. A gifted musician from a very early age, Lee studied and performed music at home and abroad and was honored to play at venues like Carnegie Hall and the United Nations General Assembly.
Lee dedicated her life to sacred music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University in 1955 and a Master's degree in Church Music in 1961.
Lee began her ministry of church music in Cleveland, Ohio, where she taught music theory and served as Organist and Choral Director at Euclid Avenue Congregational Church. In 1976, she moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, joining First Congregational Church as Church Musician. In 1983, she settled in Aiken, South Carolina, where she became the organist at St. John's Methodist Church. It was there that she met Thomas Edward "Eddie" Philbeck II; they were married and shared 42 years together until his passing on March 18, 2025. Lee later served as organist at St. Mary's Help of Christians Church in Aiken until her retirement in 2009.
In addition to her musical legacy, Lee expressed her joy and creativity by founded Lee's Music Gifts, offering whimsical and practical music-themed items such as a patented hand bell rocker, organ stop jewelry, pipe organ lamps, and more, which were sold widely in music stores and online.
Lee and Eddie shared a deep love for animals and rescued many dogs over the years, providing them with a caring home on their country property.
Lee is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Warren Donald Severin; Blaine Frank Severin (Kathryn G. Severin); Carol Severin (Michael S. Humphrey); Katharine Lynn Severin Jarm (Steven B. Jarm); Walter Daniel Severin (Karin Ruth Severin); and Leon Frank Severin (Denise Joy Severin).
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at St. John's Methodist Church of Aiken, SC. Visitation will begin at 1:15 p.m. Interment will follow on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, Illinois. Folk Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory is assisting with arrangements.
www.folkfuneralhome.com