Marie was the architect of Saint Mary’s accapella musical tradition. Not only did she serve as the parish’s choir director until recently, but she built a remarkable repertory of liturgical music over the years. The repertory she amassed remains the core of the choir’s music today. She culled the best of liturgical music from diverse sources and selected, composed and arranged pieces that represented the musical traditions of the entire Orthodox world (including its’ folk music). She remained rooted in the tradition of liturgical music while, at the same time, ensuring that St. Mary’s music reflected the parish identity as an American Orthodox Church (rather than ethnic). Marie’s musical contribution set the tone for both the worship experience and the Church’s distinctive character. Her reputation for excellence has gained her the respect of people all over North America. She was a treasure one does not come across often in life. In one of his recollections of the founding of Saint Mary's, Colonel George Codrea recalled the dreams and values that drove the original founders 20 years ago. According to the Colonel, two values emerged as the cornerstones on which the new community would be built: love for children and music. "We knew we could make music a centerpiece of the new Church," the Colonel once said, "we had Marie." To honor Marie’s remarkable contribution, the parish of St. Mary’s had dedicating the Holy Hymnographers icon to Marie, and named the choir loft after her.