Mary Kathryn Casella Penick, age 97, passed away July 24 at St. Mary's Hospital, Huntington, WV. She was born December 14, 1918 to Salvatore and Nina Casella in Logan, WV. Mary was preceded in death by her youngest grandson Christopher Kent Withers; brothers Leonard, Michael, Angelo and Frank Casella; and sisters Josephine Casella, Ann Allman, Elizabeth Chirico, Helen Burks, and Virginia Leotta. Mary moved to Huntington, attended Marshall University and was the oldest living graduate of St. Mary's School of Nursing, class of 1940, where she worked until joining the United States Army Nurses Corp. During World War II, she served in the Pacific Theater as First Lieutenant on hospital transport ships USS General H.B. Freeman and USNS Private William H. Thomas, caring for wounded soldiers. She earned the rank of Captain in the Army Reserves. Following the war, she worked with crippled children at a polio hospital in Richmond, VA, where she met her future husband George Roberts Penick, Jr. of Hurricane, WV and began her career of wife and mother. She was an officer and member of the St. Mary's School of Nursing Alumni Association, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Huntington East High School Band Boosters, a scout leader and a caretaker for her large family. Mary is survived by her "little sis" Florence Casella of Proctorville, OH, daughter Elizabeth Withers, former son-in-law, Robert Withers, son George R. Penick III (Patti) of Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren Mary Beth Withers, Robert Withers Jr. (Georgia), Clint Penick (Danielle); great-grandchildren Mary Kathryn and Mary Christina Withers and Robert Kent Withers III; step-daughter Patte Rhodes; sister-in-law Virginia Nall, devoted nephew Michael Burks, many nieces and nephews, and special family friend John Sapic. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pallotine Sisters, 2810 N. Staunton Road, Huntington, WV, 25702. The family wishes to thank the Veteran's Administration for their excellent medical care and the staff of St. Mary's Hospital. Visitation will be Thursday July 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Chapman's Mortuary, and Mass of Christian burial will be Friday July 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military graveside rights at Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane, WV.