The traditional 30th anniversary gift is a pearl — a symbol of wisdom gained through experience. Nancy offers this: “Say hello and smile to everyone you encounter. Have a smile in your voice as well — it can make a big difference in someone’s day. And have a positive mental attitude. You won’t eliminate all of life’s problems, but you will certainly handle them better.”

When she talked to Shorelines in 2017, corporate receptionist Nancy Hanson predicted, “I would say I’m going to make it another five or six years. I’ll probably make it to my 30th anniversary, at least!” Lo and behold, here we are. Plenty has changed since that last milestone — but not her reputation as a warm and well-loved member of the North Shore Bank team.

“Nancy is well known by everybody who works here, and she knows everyone’s extension,” customer assistance manager VP Colleen Egan says. “You can depend on her to be here Monday through Friday directing calls for internal and external customers, as the voice of the corporate switchboard. She’s versatile and willing to pitch in, helping out departments with everything from record-keeping to file maintenance. Nancy gets the job done!”

President Jay McKenna adds: “For our Corporate office visitors, Nancy is the first person they see — and we know that first impressions are important! With her smile and friendliness, she is a great ambassador for North Shore Bank. Plus, as many of us know, she is outstanding at screening unsolicited and time-wasting junk sales calls! And she is great at getting customers to the right resource to answer their questions. I value her contributions and enjoy our conversations.”

Nancy filled us in on what’s kept her busy in the last few years, and the big developments in her life.

OK, so what has changed in your professional life since 2017?
Since 2017 — in addition to my normal reception duties and other current tasks — I was assigned to create payoff cases in R-1 after a loan is paid off. The payoff cases are stored for future reference. They’re mostly indirect loans, and during our busy season, I have done up to 50 cases a day, keeping me quite busy.

And of course, when covid hit in 2020, many employees at Corporate were required to work from home. With my position, I needed to stay to work in the office. I helped Deposit Services, especially the decedent area, with printing and mailing out letters and forms — something they could not do easily from home. I helped other areas, too, with small tasks when asked. That was a busy time here.

Ted and Nancy.

How about on the personal front?
Unfortunately, I had a life-changing event happen: The love of my life of 26 years, Ted, passed away unexpectedly on January 15 of this year. My world came to a screeching halt.

I was facing being alone, with no partner to finish the rest of my life with, and had to pick up all the pieces he left behind. I was trying to juggle finances and take care of a house all by myself. I could have just pulled the blankets over my head and never gotten out of bed.

But then I thought of all the people who loved and cared about me and needed me in their lives too. There is a saying: “You are only as strong as the people who surround you.” So true. My family, friends, and co-workers just surrounded me with love and support, which I am eternally grateful for.

I decided to take one day at a time. I have learned so much about myself and that I am stronger than I think I am. I have also learned never to take anyone for granted and to live each day like it’s my last. Enjoy life to the fullest, because our time here is short.

What are your thoughts for the next five years?
I could decide to retire at any time, but working keeps me busy, and I just enjoy my NSB family too much to leave now. I will revisit the retirement idea next year. But for now, I’m not going anywhere.