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Mary Casaregola Neatherlin was born February 24, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, died in San Antonio on December 27, 2020, at the age of 95 years. She was first generation of Italian immigrants. Her father, proud to be a new citizen of the United States, stressed education from a very young age. In the 1940s, Harvard and Western Reserve were the only universities offering a masters in nursing program. Mary was accepted into the first Masters In Nursing program at Western Reserve and graduated in the top of her class. While pursuing her college education, Mary also served as one of the renowned “Rosie Riveters” during World War II. Her tiny size allowed her to be one of the few who could fit in the nose of an airplane for the hard to reach rivets. Her love for education inspired her to become the first woman elected to the School Board at La Vernia High School, La Vernia, Texas. As soon as Mary graduated from the Western Reserve, she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a Navy nurse and entered the Navy as an officer. It was prophetic as she soon met her life partner while stationed in San Diego. Ervin Neatherlin, also a Navy officer and nicknamed Tex, swept her off her feet and they were married 6 months later in March 1954. Ervin, a San Antonio native, brought Mary back to his hometown. Together, they raised their five children in San Antonio and La Vernia. Mary continued her nursing career while raising her five children. She worked at many of the San Antonio and Seguin hospitals and as a home healthcare nurse before applying at the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital. While the VA Hospital was preparing to open, Mary applied knowing she was competing with hundreds of nurses for an upper management position. Her skills and impressive resume landed her the position of Nurse Manager for the Triage, Specialty Clinics and Emergency Room departments. Mary was a kind and gentle nurse, both at work and towards neighbors, family and friends. She remained at the VA hospital until she retired in 1990. After retirement, she and Ervin enjoyed their extensive world travels, later traveling throughout the United State in an RV. Mary was an avid reader and skilled knitter as well as a compassionate animal lover. She adored her very possessive parrot, Paco, and the many stray cats and dogs, lucky enough to find their way to her home. She showed her love for all animals by supporting many non-profit organizations focused on the care of pets and wildlife. Mary lived her life with a gentle, kind spirit, but never without determination and independence. She loved her family deeply and unconditionally, which also included her pets. A special thanks to her family caregivers, Amanda, Ashley, Shawn, and Macy and to the caregivers who quickly became family, Kathy McGlothlin, Maria Mendoza, Esmeralda Qaralleh, Cindy Linares, Amber Linares, Linda Kintz, Robyn Butterworth, and Sue Narrow, who helped her live her last years with independence and dignity. To her Caregivers: You held a very special place in her heart with your genuine care and love. Our gratitude is heartfelt and endless. Additional thanks goes to Dr. Pendleton Wickersham, her long term physician, for his compassionate medical care. Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ervin Neatherlin, cherished son, John Neatherlin, parents, Luigi and Anna Maria Casaregola, siblings, Sammy Casaregola, Joe Casaregola and Inez Casaaregola. She continues to live in the hearts of her children, Cathy Amato, Robert Neatherlin and wife, Teresa, Inez McBride and husband Andy, and Carol Neatherlin Pletcher and husband Zale; cherished grandchildren, Andrea Fu, Shawn Baker, Robert Grun, Michael Neatherlin, Amanda Nazario, Tracy Smart and Bethanie Pletcher and their spouses; 13 great grandchildren; 2 great, great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. She has been dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

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Mary Casaregola Neatherlin

February 24, 1925 - December 27, 2020