Exton Senior Living LifeStories resident Dolores Noel was an accomplished big band singer who performed from the 1970s through the 2010s
From Serenading Six Philadelphia Mayors to Enchanting Fellow Residents, Her Timeless Voice Proves the Power of Music has No Age
EXTON, Pa. – At 92 years old, Dolores Noel doesn’t just carry the spirit of the big band era — she embodies it. For more than four decades, Noel wowed audiences with her renditions of songs made popular by legends such as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.
From the 1970s through the 2010s, Noel serenaded six Philadelphia mayors, spanning administrations from Frank Rizzo to Michael Nutter. Today, she brings that same timeless charm to a smaller, yet no less captivated audience at Exton Senior Living.
“Dolores is a vibrant and spirited woman who resides in our LifeStories neighborhood,” said Joleene Kinneman, Community Relations Director at Exton Senior Living. “A former big band singer, she spent years captivating audiences with her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence.”
With a snap of her fingers and a graceful sway to the beat, Dolores brings timeless classics to life, delighting fellow residents and staff alike. While she no longer performs, her voice, still rich with passion, turns heads and brings smiles to faces, reminding everyone of the magic music can bring.
“Music has always been Dolores’s greatest love, and it remains a cornerstone of her life today,” Kinneman said. “Whether crooning a Frank Sinatra ballad or reminiscing about her days on stage, she continues to inspire everyone with her infectious enthusiasm and vivid memories of a life lived in harmony.”
A native of Berks County, Noel combined a determined work ethic and her musical talent to entertain people while earning a living. Fellow residents and team members at Exton Senior Living appreciate Noel’s vibrant presence during activities, social gatherings or in the dining room. She also can tell a good story.
“My life was very complicated,” Noel said, reflecting on her early days. “I was raised in Reading, Pennsylvania. It was different altogether. When I got older, I always had to work, work, work. And then, some musician said to me, ‘I want you to sing this lyric.’ And I tried it. And they said, ‘Good.’
“From then on, I would come and say, ‘It’s time to sing,’ and I would sing. And, they liked it. And then I got paid to sing, so I loved it.”
In 1972, she met her second husband, Jack Noel, who led a band called The Added Touch. “Upon hearing Dolores sing for the first time, Jack asked her to join the band and proposed to her,” said Ana Dasilva, LiveStories Director at Exton Senior Living.
Dasilva learned of Dolores’ distinguished career as a singer through conversations with family members who visit her at the senior living community.
“Jack and Dolores frequently performed at Columbus Club in the Italian community (near Reading),” Dasilva said. “Before meeting Dolores, Jack’s band had shared the stage with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. While Dolores never performed with them, she often sang their songs. Later, Jack and Dolores collaborated on shows at Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia.”
Dolores Noel and her daughter Margie often designed and sewed the gowns for her performances.
“Her favorites songs were ‘My Way,’ ‘Unforgettable,’ ‘New York, New York,’” Dasilva said of classics originally sung by Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.
Noel still has the ability to bring a room to life, especially when a song is playing on television or the radio in the senior living community. She’ll playfully sing along, tap her toes or sway to the music. Those around her certainly notice Noel’s enthusiasm and upbeat approach.
“Dolores is the heart and soul of our LifeStories program,” Kinneman said. “She brings so much joy and energy to every gathering. She has a deep love for music. When she hears a tune, it’s like the whole room lights up. It’s amazing to watch how music transforms her and those around her. Her smile is contagious.”
IntegraCare’s LifeStories approach to memory care creates an environment that facilitates a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for meaningful activities that improve the quality of life for residents in communities such as Exton Senior Living. LifeStories enables residents with memory impairments to engage in personalized and meaningful activities designed to improve their quality of life.
“We are proud to incorporate music into our daily programming, and with Dolores in the mix, every session feels special,” Kinneman said. “Whether it’s dancing, singing along, or just tapping her feet to the beat, Dolores shows us all how music has the power to bring life, joy, and connection to our community.”
For more information, contact Joleene Kinneman, Community Relations Director, Exton Senior Living, at jkinneman@integracare.com or 610.594.0200.