Susan Pleines

On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Susan Marie Pleines (nee: Phelan) passed away at the Bridging Life – Dove House in Westminster, MD. Born in Baltimore, MD to the late Francis Xavier Phelan and Marie Cecelia (Burlage) Phelan on Monday, April 19, 1943, she was 82.

Susan was a 1961 graduate of The Catholic High School in Baltimore. On October 8, 1965, she married Ward Charles Pleines. They celebrated 50 years of marriage. Susan started her work life at Mercy Hospital and then moved on to working for the Baltimore Sun. She then had a long-term career in transportation with the Montgomery County Public School System before retiring. During this time, she and her husband raised three children, and numerous pets. She lived a life full of laughter, memory-making holidays and family vacations, and devotion to her faith. Susan had numerous interests and hobbies, including: singing in her church choir, working in her garden, spending time with family and friends, spoiling her black labs, and enjoying visits to the beach, especially Chincoteague Island, VA and Florida. She made friends wherever she went, and no pup was a stranger. She was especially proud of her patio, where she won “Prettiest Patio” in summer 2024.

Susan is survived by her loving children, Jeffrey Pleines (Heidi Vause) of Catonsville, MD, Kristen Kolb of Sarasota, FL, and Jennifer Ziolkowski (Joe) of Sarasota, FL; and brothers, Francis X Phelan, Jr. (Chris) of Bel Air, MD and John P. Phelan (Mary Therese) of Baltimore, MD. In addition to her parents, Susan is also preceded in death by her husband, Ward Charles Pleines.

Family and friends may gather at the Candle Light Funeral Home, 1835 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at St. Michael’s Church, 1125 St. Michael’s Road, Mount Airy, MD 21771; time TBA.

Flowers are welcomed, and the family encourages donations be made to Bridging Life – Dove House in Susan’s name.