Obituary of Mary H. Pennestri

Mrs. Mary H. Pennestri, age 77, of Church Road, Boone, died Sunday morning (February 17) at Watauga Medical Center. She was born November 5, 1930 to Clarence Lambert and Flora Albanie Hunter in Giles County, Virginia. As an adult, Mary moved to the Washington DC area where she met and married Sam Pennestri and they had two children, Hope and Andrew (Andy). Sam died in 1972 and after his death Mary remained in the DC area to raise her children. She was the legislative assistant law librarian for Southern Railway, a position she held for over fifteen years. In 1983 Mary moved to Boone, NC, where she attended Appalachian State University and graduated with a Master's Degree in 1991. She became a substance abuse counselor for New River Mental Health until her retirement. She was a familiar face to many in the community, and was actively involved in AA until her death. Surviving are: one daughter, Hope Anne Pennestri of Annapolis, Maryland; one son, Andy Pennestri and wife Mandy; one grandson, Alex "Charlie" Giammatteo - all of Vilas; two sisters-in-law, Anne Kessinger of West Virginia and Marie Hunter of Kingsport, TN as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by special family friends Bob and Marnie Werth of the Sleepy Hollow Community. In addition to her parents, Clarence Lambert and Flora Albanie Hunter, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sam; four brothers: Howard, Shirley Edward and Curtis, an infant; by two sisters: Elaine Hunter and Beverly Hunter Deck. Memorial services for Mrs. Mary H. Pennestri will be held Friday, February 29 at 8:00 PM at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hospitality House of Boone, 302 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607. The family will receive friends at Austin & Barnes Friday, February 29 from 6 until 8:00 PM (prior to the service).