Obituary of Rosemarie Penkala

Rosemarie Theresa (Lyate) Penkala, 79, loving wife, mother and grandmother, died February 5 at Willow Tree Manor Nursing Home, Charles Town WV, with her family and friends at her side. Born in Hazleton, PA, on August 16, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Rocco Lyate and Donata "Mamie" (Longo) Lyate. On September 18, 1954, in Hazleton PA, she married John L. Penkala, who preceded her in death in on September 3, 1994. She is survived by sons, Gary D. Penkala of Charles Town WV, and Thomas J. Penkala and wife Kathleen, of State College, PA, and their daughter, Michaela; two sisters, Angeline Chinni and husband Nunzio, Marlene Avillion and husband Gerald; one brother, Anthony Lyate and wife Louise, all of Hazleton Pa.; brother-in-law David E. Penkala of Bowie MD, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding her in death was her youngest brother, Rocco Lyate, of Columbia MD. Rose was a member of Most Precious Blood Church in Hazleton, PA, Our Lady of Victory Church in State College, PA, and most recently Saint James Church in Charles Town, WV. She was employed at various businesses in State College: W.T. Grant Department Store, Plaza House of Style Beauty Salon, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation [Bellefonte], University Travel and most recently Centre for Travel, where she retired after 25 years. She was an avid Penn State, Phillies and Eagles fan and traveled to and worked on many football bowl games. Rose was an ardent politician, and served as Vice-Chairman of the Centre County Democratic Party and precinct committeewoman. She often worked with elected officials for the benefit of the citizens of Centre County and beyond. Two of these projects included opening the Borough of State College to liquor sales and expanding the eligibility for handicapped placards to those with back problems and heart difficulties. She enjoyed cruising with her husband, playing Bingo, and traveling. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, February 9, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College PA, with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 10, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with The Rev. Albert Ledoux as celebrant, assisted by The Rev. Mr. David Galvin, from Saint James Church in Charles Town WV. Interment will be at Centre County Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gary D. Penkala High School Honors Scholarship (Diamond Endowment Fund) of the State College Choral Society, P.O. Box 675, State College, PA 16804; or to the Saint James Church Building Fund, 49 Crosswinds Drive, Charles Town WV 25414.