Lisa Mary Mascone

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Lisa Mary (Sansone) Mascone on September 16th, 2026 after a more than 2 year battle with cancer. Lisa was 61 years old. She passed peacefully and was surrounded by the love of her beautiful family. Lisa was visited by many friends and family members in the weeks and months leading up to her passing- she knew how much she was loved. We all loved Lisa more than words can express; she was our rock in every way. Lisa positively impacted many lives.

Lisa was born in Montgomery County, Maryland on September 11th, 1965. Lisa is survived by her husband, Peter, and her three beautiful children, Anthony, Matthew (Lourdes), and Sara. She is also survived by her parents, Eugene and Carole Sansone; her three sisters, Donna (Blaise) Considine, Pamela (Frank) Voelling, and Christine (Bruce) Wenchel; and her brother-in-law, David (Cynthia) Mascone, and sister-in-law, Patricia (Thomas Vahle) Mascone.

Lisa received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland in 1987; she loved returning to UMD for Homecoming. Lisa worked at the National Institutes of Health for 35 years where she served as the Deputy Executive Director of numerous institutes, finishing her time there at the National Institute of Aging. She was the best role model and an altruistic leader. In the words of her colleagues: “Lisa was a critical part of NIA... She committed her skill, insight, and energy to her effective role in NIA leadership. And she accomplished this with a warmth, generosity, and genuine caring that touched us deeply. Her warmth, her smile, and her occasional sharing of her much-loved dogs… brought joy wherever she went.”

Lisa loved her family, animals, and helping others. She loved the annual family beach vacations, where her love of the beach, turtles, and quality time with family were evident. There is nothing quite like the wide, peaceful smile on Lisa’s face while she was surrounded by her family and the sound of ocean waves. She loved walking on the beach.

Lisa volunteered with Fidos For Freedom starting in 2021 where she served as a Therapy Dog Handler for Tally and Penny, a puppy raiser, and a service dog trainer. She was an avid horseback rider and loved her horses, most recently Friendly and Gunner. Each spring, she would smile widely as she told us about her blooming yellow daffodils and forsythias. Lisa was truly the best of us. She was always there for those she cared about, showing us how to be a kind and good friend, sibling, daughter, and mom. Lisa shared many laughs, smiles, tears, and wonderful memories with her family and friends. Thank you for all you gave us, Lisa.

May God watch over Lisa and comfort the hearts of all impacted by her loss. May her messages to us be clear and understandable. We will see Lisa in the bees flying, leaves blowing, and flowers blooming. We will hear her telling us, “you get more bees with honey” for the rest of our lives. She will be there in our footsteps, watching over us and watching us live fully and unapologetically.

Lisa will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Please keep Lisa and our family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the grief of her loss and the celebration of her wonderful life. In memory of Lisa, we ask that you make donations to Fidos For Freedom and/or Days End Farm Horse Rescue, two organizations that mattered greatly to her. Please add a memory to Lisa’s memorial book so we can share in the bright, special moments of her life.