Kathleen Marie Witmer was born to Harvey and Lydia Witmer on October 27, 1919 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Both parents were actively involved in the life of the First Missionary Church of Fort Wayne, where Kathleen grew up surrounded by a rich worship tradition.

Her love for music and especially for the keyboard was stimulated by studies with Edith Foster, who had been a student of the great Russian pianist, Josef Lehvinne, a man with whom Kathleen was later privileged to study as well. After graduation from the South Side High School in Fort Wayne, she attended Wheaton College, where she met James Buswell III, son of the former president of the college.

They were married during the Second World War, in which James served, returning together to graduate from Wheaton in 1947. By that time they had welcomed into their family a son, James Buswell IV. Two years later Kathleen's sister LaVon married James III's brother John, making for an unusually close-knit and joyful family.

Kathleen enjoyed a life of devotion to teaching the piano, especially to young pupils, fostering in them a love for music, and a strong sense of the discipline of learning. Along with maintaining a private studio for over fifty years, she taught at Shelton College, Nyack College, and Wheaton College. She played both piano and organ in numerous churches, taking special delight in offering her gifts to the Lord through worship.

From 1980 through 2000 Kathleen and James served together at the William Carey International University and the U. S. Center for World Missions in Pasadena, California. There, Kathleen enjoyed teaching a talented group of students from all over the world, presenting them in semi-annual recitals. She was not content simply to teach music; she relished using music as a model of deeper biblical truths and of the harmony of a radiant Christian life.

The Buswells arrived at Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream, Illinois in 2005. James went to be with the Lord in August of last year, and we rejoice that Kathleen has joined her husband of 66 years before the heavenly throne.

She is survived by her sister, LaVon (John); by her son, Jamie (Carol Ou); by grandchildren Joshua, Rachel, Anna and William; and by great-grandchildren Lukas, Adeline and Elis.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7, at Windsor Park Manor, 124 Windsor Park Dr., in Carol Stream, IL. Interment is private at Wheaton Cemetery.