Leone "Lee" (Severin) Philbeck

Leone Marie “Lee” Philbeck passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Aiken, South Carolina.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Lee was the daughter of Walter Frank Severin and Leonie Netschert. From an early age, she displayed extraordinary musical gifts as a concert pianist, organist, and vocalist. Her passion for sacred music guided her life’s work and brought her to stages both nationally and internationally, where she earned numerous prestigious awards and was honored to perform at venues like Carnegie Hall and the United Nations General Assembly.

Lee graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1951 and received a Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University in 1955. She later earned a Master’s degree in Church Music in 1961.

Expressing God’s love through music was Lee’s passion. She dedicated her life to working in churches playing organ, piano and leading choirs, writing hymns, and teaching. Her professional ministry of church music began 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, becoming the organist at St. John’s Methodist Church. It was there that she met Thomas Edward “Eddie” Philbeck II who became her husband of 42 years until his passing on March 18, 2025. Following her work at St. John’s, Lee served as organist at St. Mary’s Help of Christians Church in Aiken until retiring in 2009.

Lee also expressed her creativity and joyful spirit in a company she founded, Lee’s Music Gifts. She produced both practical and whimsical music-themed creations—including a patented hand bell rocker, pipe organ lamps and clocks, organ stop jewelry and placemats with hymns to sing, and many more unique items. They were sold in hundreds of music shops and online, bringing much joy to Lee and the recipients.

Lee was a devoted animal lover, and she especially loved dogs. She moved to the country so that she would have acreage to provide sanctuary for unwanted dogs. Over their life together, Lee and Eddie rescued dozens of dogs and provided them with a loving home.

Lee had a beautiful joie de vivre, a wonderful enthusiasm for life, and a delightful sense of humor. She has touched many of our hearts deeply, and we will forever be grateful for her in our lives.

Lee is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Warren Donald Severin; Blaine Frank Severin and wife Kathryn G. Severin; Carol Severin and husband Michael S. Humphrey; Katharine Lynn Severin Jarm and husband Steven B. Jarm; Walter Daniel Severin and wife Karin Ruth Severin; and Leon Frank Severin and wife 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 with Reverend Butch Blackwell officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:15 p.m.

Lee will be laid to rest with her parents and other family at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie Illinois on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

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