A much loved dental hygienist and owner of Northumberland Dental Hygiene Clinic retired last week.
A surprise retirement celebration was held for Mary Ito on Thursday November 30, 2023 at her Cobourg office located at 21 King Street West (Unit #2) in Cobourg.
It was a beautiful ceremony for Ito. Friends, family and the Cobourg Legion Pipes and Drums were there set to surprise her as she walked out of the doors for the final time at 5 p.m.
There was only one thing missing – the guest of honour.
Ito decided to leave early on her final day.
And to the surprise of everyone, there was no one at her office.
The band played and the crowd mingled about until finally her husband devised a way to bring her back down to the office.
As soon as the couple pulled onto First Street in their jeep, her friends knew it was her and the cheering started.
As soon as Ito got out of the car a piper with the band paraded her in front of family and friends who were cheering.
The final song fittingly by the band was Green Hills and When The Battle’s O’er.
Ito has been a dental hygienist for over 31-years and 15 owning her own business.
“I got off work early,” she said with a laugh abou tthe send off.
“It’s a great honour that this many people dropped by.
The main thing she said she’ll miss are the people and friends she’s met along her journey.
The business will continue on with a dental hygienist.