Valentine’s Sweethearts Meet at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital

You never know where you will find your sweetheart!

Tom Goldsborough and Mary Holt faithfully volunteer at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. When they sat near each other one Monday in the cafeteria over lunchtime, they struck up a conversation – which led to a regular lunchtime connection.

“One day, I thought – I think I’ll ask her out for supper,” said Tom, 78, from Meredosia. Their first date? Valentine’s Day 2020 at Lime Street Café in Springfield.

Mary, 83, from South Jacksonville, volunteers as a messenger and enjoys interacting with people. Tom volunteers in the ambulatory department and has made new friends in addition to helping others.

The two enjoy dinner dates, go to the movies and especially love to visit wineries on Sunday afternoons for live music.

“We dance a little bit,” said Tom. “She’s a great lady!”

The pair meet a couple of times a week and visit often on the phone. Tom isn’t a texter, which is OK with Mary. The two plan to go to dinner this Valentine’s Day at Pao Bistro in Springfield.

“It’s nice to have somebody to do things with,” Mary said.

Want to make friends while giving back as a volunteer at one of our five Memorial Health hospitals? Visit memorial.health for more information.