Employees at UHS Binghamton General Hospital gathered to say goodbye to a long-time nurse and volunteer. Mary Lindsey, 95, is retiring after 76 years at the hospital. Our Melissa Kakareka has her story.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- A lot of things have changed at UHS Binghamton General Hospital over the past 76 years. And Mary Lindsey, 95, was there to see it all.

"When I first came here, the most expensive room in the hospital was $10 and the wards we had were $3.50 a day," recalled Lindsey.

Lindsey first joined Binghamton's School of Nursing in 1936 when the facility was called City Hospital. She holds the distinction of being UHS' first gastroenterological nurse.

Her time and accomplishments were honored at a luncheon Thursday as she retires from her long career as a nurse and volunteer. She says she loved her time at the hospital and encourages others to follow in her footsteps.

"I'd like to have people realize how much joy you get from being a volunteer. People tell me they are lonesome and I think, well there's things to do, but they can't motivate themselves to do it. I'd like to see more people volunteer," said Lindsey.

Those who were lucky enough to work with Lindsey say she will be missed by everyone at UHS.

"She is an inspiration. She just wants to help people so she's made sure knows everything that a person coming into the hospital would ask her. She's so helpful," said UHS volunteer Barbara Schlatz.

Meaning that her legacy at the hospital won't be forgotten just because she's no longer there.

Lindsey says she will still remain active in the community and will focus on volunteering at her church.