Love and commitment are two keys to a long, successful marriage. In Ontario County, one couple has taken that approach not just to their life together — but also their work. Both have lasted a long time.

To stay in the game for so long, it takes a team effort. Roger and Donna Smith of Canandaigua know this from experience. The couple celebrates their 42nd wedding anniversary in May.  

Partners in life, the Smiths are also partners in work. Both have been employed at Clifton Springs Hospital for more than four decades.

“There was something about the culture at Clifton,” said Donna. “I can’t really describe it.”

The hospital was thriving when the pair were hired. Donna as an operating room nurse, and Roger as a radiologist. But the four decades at Clifton Springs have been somewhat of a roller coaster ride.

“I remember somebody saying to me, you probably shouldn't stay at Clifton, because it's going to close any day now,” recalled Donna. “And that was 39 years ago.”

The hospital is known as the cornerstone of Clifton Springs, a village with a population of about 2,100. The Smiths used to live so close to the hospital they could walk to work.

“Clifton’s just a quiet little town,” said Roger. “Nice to walk around in, some of the shops downtown.”

For years, while at work, the couple kept an unintentional secret. Working in different parts of the hospital, and different schedules, their co-workers had no idea they were married.

“They were surprised when they found out,” said Roger. “Our paths crossed once in a while, I mean.”

“But we never had lunch together. We didn't plan to have lunch together,” added Donna.

“I’d give her a high five in the hall,” said Roger.

“Yeah, that's about it,” laughed Donna.

Work someplace for 40 years, you might think you’ve seen it all. 2020 brought new challenges to medicine, and to the rest of the world. During those first months of the pandemic, Donna didn’t miss a single day of work.

“That was very tough,” she said. “But being in the hospital was my comfort place.”

Caring for patients, leading her team, she felt it was her duty.

“Just such unknown,” she said. “I mean, every day. Every week. It was difficult.”

Walking the campus now, for the Smiths, is much different than it was 40 years ago. Donna has held many roles, and is now the hospital’s chief operating officer. Once in danger of closing, the hospital is thriving again. Since teaming with Rochester Regional Health in 2015, millions of dollars have been spent on expansion and renovation.

“Keeping care close to home, that's what's most important to us,” said Donna. “And we've been successful in doing that, with all the upgrades that we've done over the last five years.”

For the Smiths, caring for people is a true family affair. Daughter Kyla is a nurse, and daughter Brittany works in radiology. Roger watches their grandkids several days a week while continuing to work at Clifton Springs Hospital on a per diem basis.

Unlike many, who seek bigger things in their careers, the draw of the little hospital that could keep this team in the game.

“I think we stuck it out because we knew what it was and we knew what it could be,” said Donna.  “It’s a really good place to be.”