Winchester nurse marks 40 years

In this supplied photo, workers at Winchester District Memorial Hospital celebrate the retirement of nurse Debbie Stoodley (center, in grey jacket) on Friday, April 26, 2019 after 40 years in the workforce. (WDMH via Newswatch Group)

WINCHESTER – A local nurse says it’s a bittersweet moment as she retires from Winchester District Memorial Hospital after 40 years.

“I’ll miss the staff…they are my second family,” Debbie Stoodley said.

Stoodley was a St. Lawrence College student in Cornwall and then got a full-time position with WDMH in 1978.

While she has worked almost every area of the hospital, she has spent the last decade in a supervisory role, mostly on evenings and weekends, while carrying out regular duties.

As for her retirement, Stoodley plans to spend more time with the seven grandchildren.