Gatha Panucci passed away on April 15, after a long struggle with a variety of ailments.

She loved her family with a fierce determination that kept her body going long after most would have given out. Her strong will, joy and appreciation of living were hallmarks of a life devoted to children; her own and then dozens of others who passed through her day care center. Even after suffering a debilitating stroke, she remained active in the lives of her kids, defying all odds to survive to see the births of her grandchildren.

Gatha was a remarkable cook who could duplicate almost any dish after tasting it only once and then improve it with her own twists. She also had an uncanny ability to relate to people. Almost everyone that she met saw her as a friend and a confidante. After working in CCC camps as a child, she found success in life working in sales, restaurants and pharmacies before opening her own day care center in the 1970s. She touched countless lives.

Gatha loved cooking, music, children and most of all, her family. Her family loves her too, and while we will always miss her, we take solace that she is now with the love of her life, her late husband, Frank.

Gatha is survived by her sons, Frank Panucci of Charleston and Gary Rudolph Panucci of Dunbar; daughters, Debra Panucci-Scarsellato, MD and her husband, Jim of Pittsburgh, Pa; Diana Panucci, J. D. and her husband, Aric Margolis of Charleston and Helen Dobbs of Nevada; one sister, Utha Johnson of Youngstown, Oh and three grandchildren, Gino and Gina Scarsellato and William Margolis.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with retired Pastor John A. Mason officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 17, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.