Susan Benningfield (nee Wilson) Hudson, 70 Creekside Ln Cape Charles, VA 23310, formerly of Chester City, PA and Cleveland Hts, OH passed away December 2, 2025. She was born on February 21, 1948 to Charles and Bonnie Wilson of Roswell, NM.

Susan married Michael Hudson on November 27, 1985. She earned her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech and her Master’s of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois. She was a gifted keyboardist, conductor, and vocal coach. She served as conductor and vocal coach for the Akron Symphony and was vocal coach and accompanist for Cleveland Opera under David Bamberger. Also in Cleveland, Susan was Assistant Director of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus under Robert Page and was vocal coach and performed with the Cleveland Orchestra under Christoph von Dohnanyi and coached renowned soprano Anja Silja, wife of Dohnanyi.

Moving to the Delaware valley in 1988, she enjoyed positions with the University of the Arts, Chorale Delaware, and Christ Church Christiana 100 Episcopal Church of Greenville, DE. Following her career in music, Susan dedicated herself to the study of American Decorative Arts. She was a docent at the Winterthur Museum for 15 years where she specialized in textiles and ceramics. For 25 years she lived in one of the oldest homes in Chester County, the 1737 Philip Rogers House in Warwick Twp. In addition, she was the Director of her family’s farm partnership, Pelajo Properties of Hugoton Kansas.

Above and beyond her storied careers were her passions for all that makes life joyful: flowers, food, and the love and caring she showered on friends and family and her golden retrievers. She is survived by her husband, Michael; in-laws: Len, Ellie, Bob, Mark, Karen, Nancy, Jamie; eight nieces and nephews; and Gabby and Lizzie. She is loved and missed by all she met.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Susan’s name may be made to the Music Program at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr, PA or to the Cleveland Orchestra.