Kent Hospital will celebrate the birthday of its oldest employee on Tuesday, Dec. 10, as Mary Poncin, of Warwick, a greeter at the hospital’s main entrance, will turn 100. Poncin was hired by Kent Hospital in June of 2010. 

“We are so excited to be able to celebrate Mary’s 100th birthday with her. She is a wonderful, sweet woman who has been a great asset to our hospital since she was hired,” said Sandra Coletta, COO Care New England, president and CEO of Kent Hospital. “Mary has done an excellent job of making people feel comfortable while providing directions and other important information for our patients, their families and visitors.”

Mary’s job at the hospital began after the Beacon published a story in 2010 about her being laid off from a retail sales position and how she wanted to continue to work. The hospital saw a role for her as a public greeter and she accepted the job.

Her employment at age 97 made national news and was picked up by a Russian television company that sent a crew here to do her story.

Poncin began her many years of employment in the 1930s at a Rhode Island diner, where she worked as a waitress, earning $1 a day. After holding many different positions throughout her lifetime, she now welcomes anyone who enters the hospital’s main entrance.

The celebration for Mary will be held in the Trowbridge Building in room 102, located on the Kent Hospital campus, at 11 a.m. In lieu of gifts, a donation can be made in Mary’s name to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Boulevard, #3004, Warwick, R.I., 02886.

Celebrate with Mary by making a gift of $100 in recognition of her 100th birthday. Donations from Mary’s friends and neighbors will be used for improvements to the main lobby at Kent Hospital. All gifts are welcome and a plaque will be placed in the lobby honoring Mary, her hundred years and her dedication to serving the community.