The Maitland High Street Pharmacy assistant finished her career last week to embark on new adventures including preparing for the wedding of her youngest daughter and spending time with her one-year-old grandson.

It was about this time of year 40 years ago when Ms Callaghan began working at Terry Bailey’s pharmacy, when she was 17.

“I finished Year 10 on the Friday and started work on the Monday,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed work.”

Ms Callaghan said she received hugs from long-time customers all day on Friday, when they discovered she would no longer be there.

She said it was “very sweet and very humbling” that people were disappointed to see her leave.

“I think [good relationships with customers] has always been there, I’m a country girl.  My husband has been retired for well over two years so I just thought it was time.”

Tracey Golledge, who worked with Ms Callaghan for more than 30 years, said she would be sadly missed.

“She’s always been a good friend in and out of work and she’s always been there for us when we’ve needed her,” she said. “She’s just Shez. She grounds us ... she’s going to be missed.”