IT WAS a sad day for Coraki with the passing of a favourite nurse Maryanne Fretus last week.

Maryanne started nursing at the Coraki-Campbell Hospital in 1959 and retired in 2000.

She was a member of the Coraki Lions, Hospital Auxiliary, Hospital Centenary in 2004, Mid Richmond Historical Society, Nurse in a Million, Woodburn Garden Club, Catholic Women's League and worked very hard to save the Campbell Hospital.

It is very sad to see the hospital left to crumble at the moment.

At Maryanne's funeral at Coraki Catholic Church there were more than 200 nurses plus many friends who attended the service.

The church was overflowing.

Nurses formed a guard of honour for their nursing mate and friend of many years.

The eldest staff member was Bill Williams, a favourite wardsman to all staff, aged 92.

Also sisters Mary Hacket and Rita Nicholls, aged 80 and 79 respectively, were there.

Maryanne will be missed by the Coraki people and staff of the Campbell Hospital.

At her wake, staff reminisced over many years of working with her.