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Adoption coordinator retires after 40 years of bringing families together

Adoption coordinator retires, after spending 40 years bringing families together.

ST. LOUIS — For years, 5 On Your Side has helped children in foster care find forever homes. We're passionate about adoption. So when we heard about a woman retiring after spending most of her life helping families through the adoption process--we just had to be there on her last day of work.

Ryan Dean brings us this 5 On Your Side Original from University City.

Mary Ann Hoeynck is taking the climb at Good Shepherd for the final time. After 40 years working as an adoption coordinator for the Catholic Charity, she's leaving on top.

“That's what's kept me in such good shape,” said Hoeynck.

Her home away from home is all packed up and all cleared out. An office full of memories.

"I did most of my interviewing right in those two chairs,” said Hoeynck.

Since 1973, she's helped thousands of families through the good times and the bad, helping families through the complicated adoption process.

Pictures of the children she helped place in loving homes over several decades, that once hung in her office, were on display at her retirement party.

"Some people send me pictures every Christmas so I see the kids grow up even after their adoptions were finalized they didn't have to do that for me, they just did it,” said Hoeynck.

Some of the families didn't have to come on her last day, but they wanted to be here. The Ferris' adopted a baby girl in the early 90's. Their daughter Caitlin is now 25.

"She's everything. She worked with us from day one, all the way through. Were on the list almost five years,” said Ferris.

Michael Meehan is losing a valued employee.

"If everyone's life touched was a light or a candle what that would that look like, it would look like a sea of stars,” said Meehan.

In the end, it was more than a job. Her life’s work was bringing families together.

“Helped people, my husband says that I should be proud, really helped people, helped change live,” said Hoeynck. “I truly believe I was the blessed one to have this career. It was wonderful, great ride.”

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