Lois Wilding, RN, will cap off a nursing career of more than 50 years when she retires from Southcoast Health this weekend.

Known throughout the not-for-profit community health system for her classic headwear – a nursing cap earned when she graduated from Truesdale Hospital School of Nursing in 1972 – the Fall River resident will work her final shift at what is now Charlton Memorial Hospital on Saturday.

“I have had a wonderful nursing career,” Wilding said. “God has given me good health to continue my passion for 50 years.”

Wilding has worked on various units at Charlton Memorial, including medical/surgical and pulmonary. She has served as a nursing supervisor since 2007, first during evenings and then full-time. She has also held positions at the Sarah S. Brayton Nursing Center and in the practice of Southcoast Health Primary Care Provider Dr. Ronald Schwartz, along with stints in home care and school nursing.

“Few people in any profession can say they have dedicated their entire career to one community, and for a nurse, the achievement is even more impressive,” said Dr. Ray Kruger, President and CEO of Southcoast Health. “Southcoast is fortunate to have thousands of outstanding nurses whose skill, talent and compassion place them firmly at the top of their field, and Lois has exemplified this. We will miss her, but we are grateful for her lifelong contributions and wish her all of the best.”

Wilding is famous among her colleagues for sharing inspiring stories and memories that are teachable moments, and she still keeps in touch with many of her patients and their loved ones, said George Barth, RN, Southcoast Health Associate Chief Nursing Officer and Site Administrator at Charlton Memorial.

“Lois has touched the lives of many staff and patients throughout her career,” Barth said. “Her mentoring and advocacy have been a major contributor to the profession of nursing. Lois’s dedication to Southcoast Health will be remembered forever.”