Volunteer Programs

Additional Keystone Hospice Volunteer Profiles:

Fundraising Auctioneer
Connie Mazzochetti

Conductor Michael Johns and the Here’s to Life Orchestra

Dr. Frank Bernt, Director of the Faith-Justice Learning Institute, St. Joseph’s University

Reverend Joseph Craddock & Sister Mary Early

Nonagenarian (and Former House Resident!) Mary Rose Nuse

"Multi-Purpose" Volunteer Sue McElroy

Keystone's First Couple: Art & Shirley Rowe

"Office Angel" Margaret Henderson

Holiday Food Drive at Lansdale Catholic High School

Bedside Harpist Marilyn Lemke

The ways our hospice volunteers provide support and comfort to patients and their families can take many forms. Here at Keystone House, we are fortunate to have the sounds of a harp soothe patients on a regular basis since June 2002, thanks to volunteer Marilyn Lemke.

Marilyn started playing the pedal harp when she was 10 years old but it wasn’t until she retired from teaching elementary school that she purchased a small harp with the idea of playing to hospice patients. She soon became aware of the bedside harp program, a new type of therapy founded by a local Bucks County woman and, after undergoing training, Marilyn became accredited as a hospital-certified Bedside Harpist.

Here at Keystone House, Marilyn and her harp go room-to-room every week, providing comfort, relaxation and emotional support to all who hear her. She will play someone’s favorite tunes and also uses her intuition to select what she will play. By paying attention to the patient’s breathing and response, she uses herself as the medium through which the music flows.

In 2003, Marilyn took a leave of absence while she was dealing with a new diagnosis of breast cancer. Once her treatments were over, she returned to make her weekly rounds, feeling her experience had deepened her level of understanding and enhanced her willingness to be more open emotionally. She is also more mindful of paying attention to her own needs, through reflection, dream work, aromatherapy and balancing her volunteer work with travel and being with friends.
We are grateful to Marilyn for her commitment to provide our patients with the gift of music and for her gentle, compassionate presence.

About Us • Services & Programs • Hospice Volunteers • Calendar • Resources • How You Can Help • Privacy Policy