Antoinette Nenninger

Antoinette Clare O'Dowd Nenninger was born in New Orleans on July 18, 1921, to Agnes McCarthy O'Dowd and John E. O'Dowd. She passed away Nov. 19, 2015, at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreeboro, Tennessee.

"Nettie" attended Holy Angels Academy in New Orleans and Hotel Dieu School of Nursing, graduating in 1942. After graduation, she joined the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of second lieutenant.

Nettie met her future husband, Lt. Clyde C. Nenninger, while both were stationed in New Orleans, and they married Jan. 31, 1944. After being discharged from the Army, the couple moved to Cape Girardeau, then eventually to Portageville, Missouri, where they remained until 1958. At that time, they returned to Cape Girardeau.

Nettie was employed as a registered nurse at Saint Francis Medical Center from 1959 until her retirement in 1987, at which time she held the title of director of surgery. She held various head nurse positions throughout her employment and received the honor of being named SFMC Employee of the Year.

After the death of her husband in 1988, Nettie moved to Lewisville, Texas, where she was very involved in volunteering at Christian Community Action.

There she initiated a medication program for those in need, receiving an award for her efforts.

In 2009, Nettie moved to Tennessee. She was appointed a goodwill ambassador at the retirement centers where she lived in Texas and Tennessee.

As her health declined, she moved to the veterans home in Murfreesboro. The staff there provided wonderful care for Nettie, who was a beloved resident, bringing smiles to so many with her antics, laughter and always loving ways.

Nettie was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde; her parents; and brothers Charles Lily, Jack O'Dowd and her twin brother George O'Dowd.

She is survived by one sister, Beverly Donner of Ruston, Louisiana. Nettie also is survived by her children, Clyde C. Nenninger (Celeste) of Cape Girardeau, Suzanne Bair (David) of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Rebecca Martin (Steve) of Flower Mound, Texas, and Mary Beth Bradshaw (Patrick) of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Nettie was extremely proud of her 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Nettie's six grandsons.

Visitation is to be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel, with parish prayers and rosary at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Cathedral, with the Rev. Allen Saunders officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, with full military honors by the Missouri Honor Team.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be given to Saint Francis Medical Center Foundation or The Tennessee State Veteran's Home, 345 Compton Road, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, as they were both so dear to Nettie's heart.