Mary Tosone: ‘Learning New Things Every Day Motivates Me’

To mark National Home Care Month, we recently celebrated the dedicated staff of the South Shore Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), which provides skilled, compassionate care to patients in the comfort of home. 

The VNA’s team of nurses, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists work collaboratively to care for patients with chronic illnesses, following surgery or recovering from an acute illness or injury.

Working behind the scenes in data entry and medical records, Senior Data Entry Operator Mary Tosone, 92, has been a fixture at the VNA for 35 years, five years before it was part of the South Shore Health system. 

Mary was “between jobs” and doing temporary work in 1989, when she learned about the data processing opportunity at the VNA – then located in Braintree Five Corners.

She had just wrapped up her 37-year career at Sears Roebuck, following its 1988 closing, and Mary was ready for a new challenge at 57.

“I didn’t have any background in healthcare, but I’ve learned a lot along the way,” she said. “It’s been a journey for me.”

Her data entry role has evolved through the years with advances in technology and Mary has kept up with all the changes, said Rick Pascarelli, the VNA’s Director of Revenue Cycle and Business Operations.

“She amazes me on the technology,” he said. “Mary picks things up so quickly and often knows more than the younger people in the office.” 

Referring to her as the “VNA family matriarch,” Pascarelli said Mary is always welcoming and knows everyone in the building.  

“She has a quick wit and great sense of humor.” 

Mary also sets a good example with her strong work ethic, he said. 

“She helps keeps people focused and on task.”

“Mary is just incredible,” said her longtime colleague, Mary Flaven, Supervisor for Authorizations and Collections at the VNA. 

Flaven, who has worked at the VNA for 33 years, said Mary started in data processing before computers and digital forms.  

“She would enter the nurses’ transcribed notes into the care plans, Flaven said.  “Mary was doing the daily logs before there were badges to clock in!”

No matter what tasks she takes on, or how the job has changed through the years, Mary is always ready and willing to help, Flaven said. 

“She’s such a hard worker and very dedicated to the VNA.  I don’t think she’s ever going to retire. We’re going to keep her here.”

Mary said she is proud of the work the VNA does and has great respect for her home care colleagues. 

“When I think of what our nurses do on a day-to-day basis, I’m amazed. It’s a hard job they have and they become very attached to the patients they care for.”

Mary knows this firsthand, as she has several relatives who work in healthcare, including her niece Theresa Tosone, a billing clerk for South Shore Health’s Home Care division.

As for what brings her to work every day at the VNA, Mary said her job is interesting and fulfilling and she enjoys her colleagues.

“I enjoy working here; it’s different every day. Learning new things every day keeps me motivated.”

When asked about her incredible career longevity – she’s been working for 72 of her 92 years – Mary said that’s the norm for the Tosone family.  

“My whole family worked until they couldn’t work anymore,” she said. 

Still clocking in 20 hours per week at the VNA, Mary has no plans to retire or even slow down. 

“I just keep moving,” said Mary, who on most days can be found enjoying a brisk walk outdoors around the Rockland business park. 

And on her days off, the nonagenarian said she’s eager to get back to work.

“Age is just a number,” Mary said.  “Life’s been good to me so far, and if it hasn’t been, it’s my fault.”

Learn more about Home Care services provided by the South Shore Visiting Nurse Association.