Mary Virginia Penewit

PENEWIT, Mary Virginia (Mail) died peacefully with her loving family by her side in Dunwoody, GA on Sunday, August 13th. She was reunited with her devoted husband of 66 years, William H. (Bill), Penewit, Sr., who predeceased her in 2016. Mary was born to the late John and Antonia Mail on March 17, 1923 in Middletown, Ohio and lived most of her married life in Centerville and Kettering before moving to Atlanta. She was employed at both Gardner-Richardson in Middletown, and Frigidaire in Dayton, where she met her future husband. During their long and loving marriage, Mary worked tirelessly in support of her husband in the family-owned business, Penewit Hardware, in Bellbrook, Ohio. For more than 50 years, the couple volunteered for the Bellbrook Lions Club Festival, operating the Ham and Blanket Booth together. When they wintered in Bonita Springs, Florida, they volunteered three days a week at the Bonita Springs Lions Club Thrift store which supports college scholarships, eye clinics, Boy Scouts, American Cancer Society and other charitable causes. As a homemaker, Mary’s elegant style for design and décor adorned her many homes. She was an accomplished seamstress and upholsterer, sewed clothing and elaborate draperies, and created needlepoint gifts for family and friends. With a keen eye as a collector of antiques, she restored dozens of pieces of furniture to their original state. Mary was recognized as a compassionate caregiver who, on multiple occasions, opened her home to relatives in need of housing or care. Long before being fit and healthy was a trend, Mary regularly exercised, played tennis, engaged in water aerobics and educated others on the benefits of good nutrition. Her made-from scratch cooking was original, healthy, and delicious. “Aunt Mimi”, as she was known to her numerous nieces and nephews, imparted wisdom, sound advice, love, and a legacy of decorum, impeccable manners, and a deep and abiding faith in God. Led by her faith, Mary’s love as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was passionate and unconditional. Her presence in the lives of her children taught them to be kind and forgiving, yet poised and resilient in the face of adversity. She had a sense of humor, was often comical and witty, and was even known to break out in a spontaneous song or dance. Mary’s strong values and moral character set the standard for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to emulate. Mary is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Malcolm) Lorimer, of Dunwoody, Georgia and her son, William H. Penewit, Jr. (Linda) of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. Her memory will be cherished by her grandchildren Andrew (Melissa) Lorimer, Adam Lorimer, Ben (Elizabeth) Lorimer, William Penewit III, Josiah Penewit, and Nikol Penewit. She was loved by great-grandchildren Mia, William, Luke, Anslee and Andrew. Mary also leaves step grandchildren Chris (Pamela) Lorimer and Mindy (Steven) Roberts and one sister, Carolyn F. Ridge, of Middletown, Ohio. She was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. Visitation will be held at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Avenue at Rahn Road, Dayton, OH 45429 on Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at Church of the Incarnation, 7415 Far Hills Avenue, Centerville, OH 45459 on Friday, August 25th, 2017 at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at the Bellbrook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Marist School, 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30319 www.marist.com/onlinegiving or the Bellbrook Lions Club, P.O. Box111, Bellbrook, OH 45305. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.