About Us
A Canadian Registered Non-Profit Organization
Who We Are
Music at Last Society is an initiative launched in Vancouver, British Columbia, by sisters Maryse and Diane Pépin, whose mission it is to bring the joy of music to people living with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
Maryse Pépin, director
Maryse comes from an IT background where she worked as a consultant for several large companies. Once retired, she wanted to give back to the community in a more meaningful way. One of the ways she gave back was to teach computers to seniors. When Maryse’s mother, Juliette, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she discovered that music played an important role in reducing her mother’s anxiety and helping her to stay calm while listening and sometimes even dancing to her favourite melodies. When she was no longer able to care for her mother at home, Maryse continued to listen to music with her in a residential care home. She also began to share music with other seniors living at the same care centre. After watching the documentary “Alive Inside, the idea for creating Music at Last Society was sparked. With the help of her sister, Diane, the organization was started. When she isn’t traveling with her husband or seeking out delicious new recipes to try, Maryse canvasses for second-hand iPod and accessories which are then loaded with personalized music and given to seniors and their families in need. Her dream is for all seniors living with dementia to have access to free and personalized music in a way that is most beneficial to them.
Diane Pépin, Director
Diane has worked as a communications professional for over 15 years in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. For the past 10 years, she has lived in Vancouver and focused her attention on the healthcare sector. She recently completed her Masters in Health Administration from the University of British Columbia and is presently working as the Executive Director of The Vancouver Friends for Life Society. Diane and her sister, Maryse, share a curiosity for life, a love of learning and a passion for doing good in the community. Music at Last Society is a project born from a desire to help seniors living with dementia improve their quality of life through the gift of music.
Angela Flannery, Director
Angela worked in the healthcare field for the majority of her career. For 24 years she worked as an office manager for a large mental health team, including Family & Children, Adult and Older Adult Departments. Through this job she became very interested in adults with intellectual disabilities and seniors diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. She is a certified Special Olympics coach and has worked with athletes in curling, track and bocce.
Being part of Music At Last Society has brought a greater appreciation for the power of music, bringing joy and enhancing quality of life to seniors living with dementia.
Now retired, she is active in curling, golf, yoga and walking. Most rewarding is the quality time spent with her grandchildren and aging parents.
Our Volunteers
Jan Miserva
Volunteer
François Drouin
Technician
Bryan Anderson
Device pickups
Partnerships
Haro Park Centre
in Vancouver with 155 residents
Résidence Haut-Bois Inc.
in Québec with 95 residents