Suzanne Harootunian, 50, battled anorexia

Suzanne Harootunian fought anorexia nervosa, the eating disorder, for 20 years, but lost the battle Sunday at age 50.

She lived in Glen Mills, but previously lived in Havertown and Springfield, Delaware County.

Sue, as she was known to family and friends, fought the disease with the help of family, friends and counselors at the Renfrew Center, in Roxborough, and the Brandywine Center, in Coatesville.

She and her family appeared on a segment of the ABC News program "20/20" last year in an effort to inform the public of the treacherous disease and how to find help for it.

The episode focused on her treatment at the Renfrew Center.

When she was admitted, she weighed 80 pounds. After three months, she was discharged a much healthier woman, and she was shown frolicking in the surf at Ocean City with her children.

"Her greatest gift was compassion," her family said. "Sue took pleasure in doing for others, her children, her friends, most anyone she met. She always had a kind word and loved to make people laugh and feel good about themselves.

"She never let her affliction get in the way of helping others, and always kept her sense of humor."

The former Suzanne O'Neill is survived by her husband of 27 years, Lee C. Harootunian; two sons, Corbin and Connor; a daughter, Kristen; her mother, the former Katherine Scanlan; a brother, Joseph W. O'Neill Sr.; and a sister, Katherine LaMonaca. She was predeceased by another brother, David K. O'Neill.

Services: Funeral Mass 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. John Neumann Church, 380 Highland Ave., Bryn Mawr. Friends may call at 5 this afternoon at the D'Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, and at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Birmingham/Lafayette Cemetery, West Chester.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to A Chance to Heal, Box 2342, Jenkintown, PA 19046.