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FLORENCE: Another ‘family member’ departs

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
   FLORENCE — In a small town like Florence, losing a part of its family is tough. Another “family member,” Mary Ann Warner, retired last week after 24 years of work with the township.
   Her contribution will be missed as the Township Committee clearly conveyed at its meeting Aug. 1 as numerous council members and her boss reflected on Ms. Warner’s career and her “many hats over the years” in the township.
   Numerous residents and retired township employees were on hand to see a presentation to Ms. Warner and the council celebrate her career.
   Ms. Warner is a resident of Florence. She was hired in the clerk’s office in July 1988 and moved to the construction code office in 2000 as technical assistant. Her daughter, Corinne Cain of Mount Laurel, and some of her grandchildren attended the meeting to be by her side during the township’s formal recognition of her retirement.
   Mayor Craig Wilkie addressed the audience and presented Ms. Warner with a special clock gift on behalf of council and reflected on working with her.
   Mary and I had a unique relationship,” said Mayor Willkie. He noted her career as an employee and that Ms. Warner was employed in his department and noted how much the town has progressed in that time.
   ”I was responsible for attending the meetings and taking the minutes and I would write the minutes out then give them to Mary Ann. The first time I did that she typed them up and I said ‘typed’ because I didn’t realize that was what was happening and the minutes were there and I went through and marked them up,” Mayor Wilkie said.
   Mayor Wilkie noted that the township didn’t have a computer at that time but he didn’t realize it when he requested the changes, which had to be all re-typed.
   ”I didn’t mark them up because she had made a mistake but because I wanted to change what I said and the look on her face like ‘I can’t believe you did this’ because she had to retype all the minutes,” Mayor Wilkie said.
   ”Mary Ann has always been there to support and guide me,” Mayor Wilkie said noting it was his first job out of college.
   ”Thank you for all your time and dedication,” Mayor Wilkie said. Ms. Warner received a standing ovation from the council and audience.
   ”It’s always nice and touching when you see family,” said Richard Brook, township administrator, as he addressed Ms. Warner and the audience.
   ”When we go through life, it’s a journey, and that’s true. I’ve worked with Mary Ann since 1989 and it’s amazing how over time you become close to one another and fond of one another. You appreciate what they do and the type of job they have,” Mr. Brook said.
   ”She is really defined by warmth and professional dedication and integrity. That’s the Mary Ann Warner we’ve come to know over the years,” Mr. Brooks said.”We were the lucky ones that go to know you to go on this journey for so many years together,” Mr. Brook said.
   ”For you, we wish you nothing but the best and on behalf of the mayor and council, we thank you for your dedication and for being the special person that you always are,” Mr. Brook said.
   Next, Ms. Warner’s boss, Thomas Layou, said a few words regarding her career.
   ”It’s been a pleasure being Mary Ann’s boss since I started herein 2001 full-time,” said Mr. Layou, construction code and fire subcode official. “You really did a lot for me and I appreciate it.”
   ”You’re a wonderful boss and I thank you for all your support and kindness,” Ms. Warner said to Mr. Layou.. “We’ve really been through a lot together.”
   At the end, Ms. Warner had a chance to share her thoughts and feelings on her retirement and noted it was “hard” and thanked everyone for everything they did to help her throughout her career.
   The one thing that stuck out in Ms. Warren’s 24 years of working in Florence Township was the family atmosphere and the support that came from everyone.
”It’s just a really unique place to work and no one understands that,” Ms. Warner said. “People here are special. They support each other, they listen to each other, they help each other, and it’s an extended family. It’s not just people you work with.Ms. Warner reflected on her career and recalled many moments that were all good during her career.
   ”There’s been so many good moments and I’ve worked in so many different departments with many wonderful people,” Ms. Warner said.
   ”I have to thank my family,” Ms. Warner said. “You are my life, my support, you are everything to me. Thank you so much.”
   One of Ms. Warren’s favorite times during her career was when she was involved in the Patriotic Celebration and recalled that time fondly.
   ”I use to be liaison to the Patriotic Celebration for many years so that does stick out,” Ms. Warner said noting that nothing really stuck out during her career that she could say it was just one thing.
   Ms. Warner recalled she handled the Patriotic Celebration during a time when the Florence Township Fire Department was not involved and the township handled the organizing of the event.
   ”It was one of the biggest responsibilities they gave me,” Ms. Warner said. “I was really proud to be involved in that.”
   She said in her retirement she will spend more time with her family and her grandchildren.
   ”I’m very happy for her,” said Ms. Cain, her daughter. “She made a lot of sacrifices at work and at home. She’s a great support system for our family so we are very happy that she will be home full-time now to enjoy time with her grandkids.”
   After the short meeting, a reception was held in the front conference room area with Ms. Warner and her family for coffee and cake to celebrate her career.