Cumberland, MD - Susan Mariah Knisley, 54, of Cumberland, MD passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburg, PA.

Born May 30, 1969 in Cumberland, MD, Ms. Knisley was the daughter of Edward Ray Knisley and Susan Alice (Grafton) Knisley. She was proceeded in death by her loving mother Susan G. Knisley and grandmother Alice Iola Beatty.

Susan was a graduate of Allegany High School Class of 1987. She was recognized early in life for her Love of music and beautiful voice God gave her. She was honored to sing for her high school commencement and graduated Frostburg State University in 1991 as a Voice Major under the direction of Professor Sara Pierce. Susan taught several students vocals through the years at her home on Washington Street and was recognized for her vocal performances in many Church Services, Weddings, and Funerals throughout the area. Susan was a member of the Cumberland Choral Society and Hagerstown Choral Society. She received further recognition for her vocal talent when she was chosen to sing at Carnegie Hall under the direction of composer and conductor John Rutter not once but twice in her career.

Susan's ability to perform vocally was complemented by her skill in instrumental performances playing the cello. She performed in a quartet during her instrumental career with childhood mentor Lee Ann O'Brien. Susan performed both vocally and instrumentally in several church services including; Emanuel Episcopal, St. Patrick, Cumberland, MD, Frostburg State University's Cook Chapel, and Christ Lutheran Church, LaVale, MD, along with many others.

Susan's talent and Love for teaching vocals was again realized when she became Choir Director at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in LaVale, MD. She Loved sharing her Love for music and teaching others was extremely rewarding for her.

Susan also loved traveling and was considered the world traveler of our family. Her adventures took her on a back packing trip through England, Ireland, and Scotland in her twenties. And her travels later included Germany, many cruises to the Virgin Islands, Cancun, Mexico, Las Vegas, and several trips to Disney in Florida which was one of her favorite vacation destinations. Susan lived life to the fullest early on and went most places others can only dream about from the Castles in Ireland to the white sandy beaches and blue waters of Cancun, Mexico. She lived how we all should with an adventurous spirit.

Susan is survived by her sister, Allison Knisley; an uncle, Bernard Beatty; and her cousins, Connie Shanholtz, George "Butch" and Cindy Shanholtz and children; Tess Custer and husband Tom, and Dinah Riggleman and husband Ronnie; and her animals, including, White Paws, Diamond, Jasper, Emily, and many others.

Friends will be received at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Ave., Cumberland, MD, on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 P.M. with the Rev. officiating.

Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be: Shannon Van Meter, Vance Van Meter, Blane Davis, Chris Davis, and Ray Beall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to: GoFundMe due to expenses for Restlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum which will be her final resting place.