Emanuela N.M. "Tena" Catena

 Catena, Cdr. Emanuela N. M. "Tena,” USNR (Ret.), passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones, March 11, 2018. Born January 11, 1918 in Windber. Preceded in death by parents Mauro and Rachel Catena, brothers, Arthur and Theodore, and cousin, Cosmo Wedo. Survived by nephews, Arthur (Dorothy) and David (Karen), and numerous loving nieces and nephews. Tena was a ground breaker in many ways.  She graduated from the Penn State University in the 1930's with a degree in bio-chemistry and was the first woman in Windber, PA to enlist in the Navy shortly after the WAVES were created during WWII.  She continued to serve in the Naval Reserves after the war ended, for over 20 years, retiring with the rank of Commander.  Her last appointment was in San Francisco, CA, where she lived for over 50 years in a career as a Medical Technologist for the Donner Lab at the University of California in Berkley, before returning to her roots in Windber. Tena was a kind and gentle soul with a genuine interest in people and life experiences. She was a true and loving friend to many and has left a bit of her spirit with all of us. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 pm Friday, March 16, 2018 at Meek & Dalla Valle Funeral Home Inc., Windber. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Windber. Fr. Adrian, presiding. Burial at Richland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Windber Hospice in her name. www.meekfuneralhome.com.

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