Maryann Breer of the Sentinel team will be retiring on Thursday next week after 37 years at National Life Group. There will be an open house for her in Sentinel next Thursday, Oct. 11, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Everyone is invited.
But first, we asked Maryann if she would answer 10 questions. Here’s what she had to say.
Q. What brought you to National?
A. I was working at Mass Mutual in Barre when an opportunity for me to work at National Life opened up.
Q. You started your career with the company in 1981. What would you say is the biggest change you’ve seen in your 37 years here?
A. TECHNOLOGY!! The biggest change I have seen is now everyone has a computer. When I started there was one computer in the department that we all shared.
Q. Speaking of 1981, what’s one trend from the 1980’s you hope never comes back?
A. Mullets and big hair!
Q. What’s the most memorable thing you can share about your career at National Life?
A. When I was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2006 I was overcome at the amount of support that I received from colleagues and the Company. It was very heartwarming, I felt so blessed to be part of such an awesome Company. The most impressive thing was that when I returned to work, my desk had not been touched from the time that I left it a year earlier.
Q. How would your friends describe you?
A. I hope they would think of me as a friendly person who is a team player and very family oriented.
Q. What’s one thing you think everyone should try at least once during their lifetime?
A. Kibbeh – a traditional Lebanese dish that is made of raw beef mixed with fine bulgur and spices. Amazing!
Q. Tell us one random fun fact of your choice.
A. When my 9-year-old granddaughter asked me to run a 5k with her I couldn’t help but say yes! Anybody who knows me knows that I am not a runner!
Q. Who is the funniest person you know at National Life?
A. Is this a trick question??!!
Q. How do you plan on spending your time during retirement?
A. I plan on becoming more involved in my husband’s Concrete Construction Business. Spend more time with my family and grandchildren and hopefully travel during the winter months.
Q. What words of wisdom do you want to leave your colleagues with?
A. Be kind, work together as a team and most of all enjoy life.