A Bowraville Hospital Auxiliary member, Mary wasn’t about to let a birthday get in the way of her roster commitments at Macksville District Hospital’s Car Park Café.

The volunteer with a wry smile and a twinkle in her eyes was ready for a day’s work on her birthday, October 22, serving hospital staff, patients and visitors fine fare from the café, most of which she had baked the day before.

A grateful hospital, however, wasn’t about to let Mary’s birthday slip by without a fuss.

Staff and fellow volunteers held a surprise morning tea for a woman who has given countless hours of her time to the hospital and its patients.

The hospital’s executive officer-director of nursing, Kath Boman, who baked the birthday cake, said Mary was “simply wonderful”.

“Mary is a very gentle, kind and generous lady from Bowraville,” Ms Boman said.

“Our volunteers are all wonderful.

“They provide a great service to patients, visitors and staff … and they make a great cuppa.

“The thing about Mary - in fact all of our volunteers - is that they are about community. They have a real sense of community, and their efforts provide wonderful support to our hospital through the purchase of equipment.”

Betty Allen has worked side-by-side with Mary for about 20 years – the first 15 on the hospital trolley and the past six at the café.

“Nothing is a trouble for Mary,” Mrs Allen said. “She’s easy to work with, have fun with, and she’s a great friend.”

Born in Bowraville in 1926, Mary and her late husband Joe were dairy and beef cattle producers on their South Arm property. She still lives in the family home, close to her three sons and daughter who all live and farm in the Bowraville district.

“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” Mary said.

“I love what I do. And I do what I do for the love of the hospital and the community.”