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Christine Commerford Obituary
Christi completed her Bachelor's degree at Mount St. Mary's and became the first woman from the college to go on to enter medical school. It was also at Mount St. Mary's that she met her love, Harry Neiderer, to whom she was married for 43 years. She completed her residency in Family Medicine, and went on to open a private practice with her partner, Dr. Damian Birchess. She worked at their practice for 39 years and is remembered as a dedicated physician with great warmth, empathy, and kindness. Christi also demonstrated her love in one of her proudest roles as a mom and best friend to her three daughters, Beth, Eileen, and Karen.
The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Christi. She loved having dinner on the back porch with her family, taking walks through the neighborhood, gardening, and playing games with her four granddaughters.
She fought a courageous battle with brain cancer, and though her story ended way too early, her legacy of compassion and making those around her feel cared for and loved will live on in her friends and family. Christi is survived by her husband, Harry; three daughters Beth, Eileen, and Karen, and four granddaughters; sisters Gail Callahan, Barbara Riegel, and Karen Cullen, and brother Leon Commerford Jr. as well as many brother and sister-in-laws, cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm and from 6 to 8 pm on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Monday, February 7, 2022 at St. Mark's Church in Catonsville. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Gilchrist Center in Towson.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christine Commerford
Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.
Pam Ledley
January 30, 2023
I cannot believe it has been one year since Chris has been gone.I think about her a lot. I have been searching for a Doctor and so far have not been able to find one as good as Chris.She was the perfect Dr. and friend. I really miss our conversations before we got down to my health checkup. Hope heaven is treating you well. Love,Pam
Kathleen Leiggi
March 22, 2022
Only today, March 22, 2022 I heard about Dr. Commerfords death.
I had an appointment with my Neurosurgeon and his receptionsit told me about her death. Back in December I knew the practice was closing for good. I was saddened because Dr. Birchess was my family doctor since 1998. I loved the practice being Catholic. At times when Dr. Birches was out, I would see Dr. Commerford or the other doctors. It was a pure blessing to have known them all. I knew 2 doctors were fighting cancer back in December. I was disheartened by the news. Things always change and so we all moved on to other doctors. But, hearing that she died back in February without me knowing until now, I started crying infront of the receptionist. I pray God has her in his loving arms and she is in no more pain and whole again. I pray her family and friends recover and know God loves all his children. May the grace of our Lord bless her and her family during this time of sadness. Much peace and love.
Doug Cincotta - patient
February 16, 2022
Dr. Commerford was the sweetest woman and the nicest doctor. She always gave so much time, and showed so much care to her patients. God bless her and her family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Patricia Both
February 13, 2022
Dr. Commerford was my doctor for ~30 years, as well as my daughter and (102yr old) mother. She was so kind, thoughtful and patient, never acting in a hurry or anxious to move on. We were so blessed to have her as our primary doctor. She will be greatly missed!
Dr. Damian´s cousin
February 12, 2022
I worked with her at Univ of Md. hospital a very long time ago and have never forgotten her peaceful presence and beauty coupled with great knowledge and compassion.
Truly an Angel ! May eternal light shine upon her, and her family be comforted with loving memories.
William Spicer
February 9, 2022
Dr. Commerford helped me stay healthy for 25 years. For 15 of those years, I drove from Ocean City just to see her. I respected her as a medical professional and enjoyed her warmth and friendship. I am so saddened by her loss and extend my deepest symphony to her family, friends, and staff.
Ronald B Rideout
February 8, 2022
May her soul REST IN PEACE, GOD BLESS HER SOUL
Barb Murphy
February 7, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Commerford's passing. She was my doctor for over 30 years. I could talk to her about anything and I did. She always gave great advice and I felt like I was seeing a friend as well as a doctor. We are all blessed to have known her. She is very much missed. Keeping her husband, daughters, granddaughters and all her family and friends in my prayers! RIP
Margaret Smilow
February 6, 2022
How lucky we all are to have known Dr. Commerford. She was a great doctor, and a wonderful, caring person.
May wonderful memories of joyful times together console you as you celebrate a life well lived.
Regina Crum
February 6, 2022
Dr. Commerford was the most amazing person, She was my physician pretty much all of my life. She was kind, funny, patient, and honest and never sugar coated anything. I always looked forward to her motherly advise and her nagging me to not work so much. She was so proud of her daughters and I always enjoyed hearing stories about them as I grew up. When I became a mother, I knew that she was the only person I would want to care for my daughter. She was there for every major event in my life, I am grateful and honored to have been able to have such a wonderful person take care of myself and my loved ones. She was not just my physician, she was a friend and mentor. I will miss her but will never forget her smile.
Pamela Ledley
February 6, 2022
I was a patient of Chris's for many years I originally saw her following my surgery for a brain tumor.She allowed me to talk about anything. She was the best doctor that I had the privilege to meet and be cared for.I loved her as a friend and patient.My prayers go out to her family.May she rest in peace .
Marti St. Jahn Scott
February 6, 2022
Christi and I attended Keough together, and I remember her as a very sweet, kind person. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.
Marty Madden
February 6, 2022
She had an amazing life. To her family, friends, colleagues and patients I pray for peace in the difficult days ahead. To Christi, I say 'rest well and thanks for being a friend.'
Christine
February 6, 2022
I was very fortunate to have had Dr. Commerford as my family doctor for over two decades. She was patient, kind and very caring.
My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort knowing she was highly regarded by many.
Robert Huffman
February 6, 2022
It was once said that "Some people live their entire lives wondering if they made a difference."
It was always clear to me that she would never have this problem. As a patient of many years, she was not only a superb physician, but also the most trustworthy and wisest person I ever met. I am a better person for having known her. Peace be unto her.
Henry Zerella
February 5, 2022
Harry, I am so sorry for your loss. It's sad that we must reunite at a time like this. I hope many memories bring you and your family comfort at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
George Stewart
February 5, 2022
The greatest memories of a doctor who not only had a practice but a practice where everyone made you feel like family and not just a number. Such a great woman.
Robert Huffman
February 5, 2022
It was once said that "Some people live their entire lives wondering if they made a difference."
I was a patient of hers for many years and I often thought that she will never have the above problem. In addition to being a superb physician, she was also the most trustworthy and wisest person I ever met. I am a far better human being for having known her. May peace be with her, now and always.
Brenda Lucas
February 5, 2022
Dr. Commerford was my doctor for 30+ years. She was the kindest, dearest, compassionate, and understanding soul ever. During one appointment I asked why she stopped wearing her white coat and she said it was intimidating for some patients and she did not want that to happen, she wanted everyone to feel safe in her care. I know she is the one now safe in His loving care. My deepest symphony to her loving family and friends.
Karen Vizzini Bowers
February 5, 2022
My thoughts & prayers are with your family. I went to high school with Christine & always remember her being so sweet & always had a smile on her face.
Belinda & John Jaffee
February 5, 2022
Harry, Beth, Eileen, and Karen,
We are devastated to learn of Christi's passing. As a beloved friend from our Mount Family, her smile and contagious personality made every day a true blessing. We hope in this most sorrowful time the support of family and friends provide comfort for you.
Kathy Nicosia Alves
February 5, 2022
My deepest Condolences and Sympathy to all of Christine´s family. I went to Archbishop Keough with Christine.
Dawn Czajkowski
February 5, 2022
Dr. Commerford was truly a blessing in my life! She was my primary doctor for 30+ years. She was so compassionate, always took the time to explain, and taught me so much! She has set the bar so high for all doctors. My deepest condolences to the family, and thank you for sharing her with us! Keeping all of you in prayer!
Barbara Svoboda
February 5, 2022
Dr. Commerford was my GP for many decades, and I cannot imagine life without her. She listened to everything, remembered things about your life, and was kind and compassionate. I shall miss her dearly. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to her family.
Nancy
February 5, 2022
She was my Mother´s doctor. She loved her.
Beverly J Simpson
February 5, 2022
Dr. Commerford was my physician since she started her practice 39 years ago. I will miss her terribly. She was such a caring and dedicated doctor. Always had time to listen to you. Your family is in my prayers.
Bob and Susan Baldwin
February 4, 2022
Dr Commerford was our physician for over 25 years and we are so sorry to hear about her passing. She was a caring, loving and supportive person. We will miss her immensely. Your family is in our prayers.
Paige Luneburg
February 4, 2022
I offer my condolences to Dr. Commerford's family, friends, and all those who loved her. May her memory may be a blessing. I know that her patients miss her dearly and are abundantly thankful for her compassion, patience, and dedication to them through the years.
Steve and Cathie Weber
February 4, 2022
So sorry to hear this. She was a sweet, caring doctor and neighbor.
The Puli Family
February 4, 2022
Christine was a wonderful neighbor, with a kind spirit and great sense of humor. We all loved her. We also benefited greatly from Christine´s work as physician at CMS. On numerous occasions she cared for the kids in the nursery, including our two. In that role she served over 5,000 people as the on-site physician. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are prayers are being sent to Harry and the girls.
Barbara Preis
February 3, 2022
Dr. Commerford was an excellent physician and most generous with her time and patience during her patient relations. My sincere sympathy to all of the family. Finally, the tribute written for her was totally, totally accurate.
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Feb
6
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc.1630 Edmondson Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228
Feb
6
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc.1630 Edmondson Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228
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Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc.1630 Edmondson Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228
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