At one point, Tullo said Franklin Hospital did not have a good reputation, but she thinks that has changed in recent years, especially after North Shore-LIJ took over operations. She said the hospital’s merger with a large health care system was one of the defining moments in Franklin’s history.

Tullo helped organize the annual community health fair. It used to be held in the parking lot under a tent, but now takes place in the gymnasium at Memorial Junior High School. She said that change eliminates concerns about bad weather, and provides more comfort for the guests.

She also organized several blood drives, arranged speaking engagements for doctors and hospital administrators, assisted the various support groups, and served as Franklin’s liaison to the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce. Tullo also put together the annual Adopt-a-Family program, where hospital staff would chip in to help a family in need around the holidays. Whenever someone wanted to come in and see what kind of services the hospital had to offer, she was there. “I was a woman of many hats,” she said.

Tullo and her husband, Michael, have two daughters, Lauren and Jennifer. Her husband was the deputy director of the Nassau County Probation Department, retiring last year.

In retirement, Tullo plans to spend a lot of time watching her granddaughters, Avery, 18 months old, and Ellery, 4 months. She said although she will miss Franklin, she is looking forward to some quality family time.

Dec. 31 will be Tullo’s last day at the hospital, and she said she will take a lot of memories with her into the next chapter of her life. “It was a wonderful environment,” she said. “You come to make so many friends over 40 years. I hope I made an impact in the community in which I live, shop and work.”