Pillar of hospital bids adieu

Nancy Albanese’s career spanned four decades

Photo by Howard Balaban – Nancy Albanese, left, was greeted by well-wishers this afternoon during a retirement party at Medina Memorial Hospital, where she worked for 40 years.

By Howard Balaban, Correspondent

MEDINA – An employee with more than 40 years of dedicated service was celebrated Friday afternoon at Medina Memorial Hospital when Nancy Albanese said good-bye to her friends and colleagues on staff.

“She’s been a mentor to many of us here, and she’s a real pillar within the hospital,” said Paula Dresser, a fellow nurse who started working with Albanese 30 years ago.

Dresser mentioned how she and Albanese worked together as nurses on every floor and every wing, including the recovery rooms and the intensive care unit.

Cindy Perry, the hospital’s wellness director, said Albanese’s absence will be felt most by the patients for whom she cared.

“Patients absolutely loved her,” Perry stated. “I only ever heard good things about Nancy, and how efficient and professional and caring she was. She’s been a great role model for everyone here and she’s going to be missed.”

The board room at the hospital served as a gathering area for a retirement party for the generational nurse as she mingled with visiting friends and family who stopped by.

Albanese said her decision to hang up her scrubs was made for one simple reason: “It was time.” However, she said a lifetime of providing care to patients at MMH provided her with “great joy” is something she will greatly miss in retirement. Overall, she said the hospital “has been very, very good to me.”

Moving forward, Albanese said she looks forward to enjoying time with her two college-aged grandchildren. She will also pass the time by knitting and doing volunteer work in the community. Additionally, she will continue to serve on the Hospice board.