Marie Sansone Zucchero, a long-time volunteer at Bethesda Dilworth and 2007 recipient of Bethesda’s prestigious Norwood Award for her years of extraordinary support and service to Bethesda, has died at the age of 99.

Marie held a variety of volunteer leadership positions at Bethesda Dilworth, but her legacy was firmly cemented in her playing piano and singing with the Bethesda Dilworth “Ding-a-Lings,” a choir group made up of volunteers (and a few residents) that Marie founded. For more than 40 years, Marie, along with the rest of her “Ding-a-Lings,” entertained residents in the dining room and on the residence floors every Thursday.

Marie’s mother was once a resident of Bethesda Dilworth, and during one of her visits, Marie spotted a piano and started playing old, familiar Italian tunes. Marie couldn’t help but notice how the music lifted and perked up her mother and those around her. Marie started playing the piano weekly, and soon volunteers joined her- – and this was the start of the Ding-a-Lings. “I am convinced that music soothes the soul; it brings me joy to use the talent that God gave me to make others happy with the ‘Joy of Music’,” Marie said proudly.

In addition to the Norwood Award, Marie was recognized in 2014 by Bethesda Dilworth with The Founder’s Award, distinguishing her with the longest years of service to Bethesda—more than 40.

For more than four decades, residents, sang, clapped, and enjoyed songs from their era thanks to Marie. Marie will be missed by all who knew her.

Gifts may be made in her memory to the Bethesda Health Group Foundation.

Bethesda Foundation