Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Frances Lawler

Mary Frances Lawler and Toni Gildone
Mary Frances Lawler with MCH’s volunteer coordinator, Toni Gildone Photo credit: Alycia McDuff

For over a decade, Mrs. Mary Frances Lawler has dedicated herself to MCH, accumulating an astounding 2,225 hours of service since 2012. Her presence on the MCH campus is synonymous with a warm smile and a heart full of compassion. Her service to patients and our community begins long before 2012, as she first filled her life with a career in nursing.

Living in Jaffrey, Mrs. Lawler’s connection with MCH runs deep, interwoven with the hospital’s history and mission of exceptional care. Her journey as a nurse traces back to her mother, who served as a night supervisor nurse at the hospital. This familial connection ignited her passion for nursing, leading her to start as a volunteer at MCH during her high school years. Determined to pursue her dreams, she worked at the 5 & 10 in Jaffrey to save for nursing school.

Her educational path took her to the Carney Hospital School for Nurses and ultimately to a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Nursing from St. Anselm. She then landed a 50-year nursing career, including four decades at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center. Throughout her career, she garnered many nursing awards, accolades, and letters praising her kindness, dedication, and lasting impact, a testament to her exceptional skills and unwavering dedication. As a mentor, Mrs. Lawler passed on her wisdom to the next generation of nurses, instilling in them the importance of going above and beyond for patients. Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Lawler has given back to her community in many ways, such as receiving a 30-year pin for her work with the Red Cross’s Bloodmobile.

Today, Mrs. Lawler continues her selfless journey as a volunteer in the hospital’s Human Resources department. Her presence is celebrated with words like “Magnificent Amazing Resourceful Youthful, and Loyal Awesome Wonderful Loving Enthusiastic Reliable.” This spells out her name on a bulletin board, reflecting the impact she makes every day.

“I go by the rules and I don’t fail,” Mrs. Lawler declares with characteristic determination. Her journey has come full circle, from working as a nurse in a room next to the office where she now volunteers, showcasing her enduring bond with the hospital. Her reflection on MCH echoes its commitment to compassion and friendliness. Mrs. Lawler emphasizes that there’s always a warm “good morning” from the staff, reinforcing the hospital’s dedication to creating a supportive environment.

Monadnock Community Hospital proudly salutes Mary Frances Lawler for her exceptional contributions to patient care, community well-being, and support for our staff. She embodies MCH’s values, and her unwavering dedication continues to inspire us all.

To join Mrs. Lawler and our incredible team of volunteers at Monadnock Community Hospital, please contact Toni Gildone, Volunteer Coordinator, at (603) 924-7191 x4190. Together, we can make a difference in our community.

Bulletin board at MCH created by HR where Mary Frances Lawler volunteers

Monadnock Community Hospital is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital offering Primary Care, Medical and Surgical Care, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Behavioral Health services. In addition, a wide variety of outpatient services are available, including an extensive Primary Care Network, Orthopaedics, Cardiology, Cardiac and Physical Rehabilitation Services, 24-hour Emergency Care, Oncology, Occupational Health, a fully equipped laboratory and an extensive Radiology department. MCH is very fortunate to have strong leadership and a dedicated medical community that allows us to meet the ever-changing requirements of today’s healthcare environment. As that environment changes, MCH is also committed to changing and providing the communities we serve with appropriate and innovative programs. Visit MonadnockHospital.org for more information.