Music, fashion, technology - a lot has changed since 1976. But the commitment of two employees working in Rehabilitation Services at Tobey Hospital has stood the test of time.

Joanne Finn and Theresa Todd were honored for their 35 years of service to the hospital earlier this month.

Finn, who received her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Assumption College, began her career at Tobey as director of rehabilitation. Through the years, Finn said she has seen the hospital - and her job responsibilities - grow.

In 1987, she helped develop a program for cardiac rehabilitation at the hospital. The new program led her to her current role as a cardiac and pulmonary exercise rehabilitation specialist.

Finn works with people who have had heart attacks or suffer from chronic lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“I help educate people after a cardiac event and get them adjusted to everyday life,” she said.  “You get really attached to the people and you really make an impact on them. ... It’s fulfilling.”

Todd began her work with Tobey at age 18, working as a housekeeper. She worked her way up to become a patient care representative in Rehabilitation Services. She said working with clients is what keeps her job exciting.

“I love talking to the patients and comforting them when they start therapy,” Todd said. “I always tell the therapists: 'They are my patients before they’re yours!'”

Both Finn and Todd are Wareham residents and say they feel a special connection with Tobey.

“Tobey is not just a place where I work. It’s my hospital,” Finn said.

Finn and Todd are two of 1,029 Southcoast Hospitals employees who have reached significant milestones in years of service at the company’s three hospitals, Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, and Tobey Hospital.

Southcoast Hospitals’ employees are recognized at five-year intervals for years of continuous service based on their date of hire, beginning at five years and going up to 45 years.