Most of us were shocked beyond belief a week ago when the news of Dorothy Nenni’s death came so quickly after the death of her husband, Dr.

Sunday, February 13, 2000

Most of us were shocked beyond belief a week ago when the news of Dorothy Nenni’s death came so quickly after the death of her husband, Dr. Harry Nenni.

Both played immense roles in the lives of generations of Lawrence County residents, and both helped shape the area through their individual and collective contributions to society.

Dr. Nenni cared for the physical well-being of countless families during his many years as a practicing physician, while Mrs. Nenni gave selflessly of her time, talents and effort in helping define a new direction for city government in Ironton.

She was among those who toiled endlessly in crafting the city charter that still guides the city today. She also served on city council during some turbulent years, and her wise advice always helped bring people back to the table to find a compromise.

Mrs. Nenni truly cared about Ironton, and her involvement never stemmed from a need for power or personal gain. That alone makes her stand out as an exemplary public servant – one that we shall not likely see duplicated in anyone.

It was a sad day, indeed, for the city when Mrs. Nenni retired from political life.

While her earthly presence now has left us, her influence on city government continues to be felt every day through the city charter.

Through her work, Dorothy Nenni left us a shining example of what every public servant should strive to be. She was singularly unique, and she was a person of real vision.

We all owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude for her long hours, unwavering commitment and heartfelt concern for Ironton and Lawrence County.

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Kenny Hughes, long-time secretary for the Ironton Rotary Club, passed along the photograph published with the column this week.

The photograph was given to him by a neighbor on North Second Street.

Several enterprising residents took advantage of the light snow that fell around New Year’s Eve, using the snow as a canvas to design a special millennium greeting to all passersby.

Although it is a little late for a New Year’s greeting, entering a new century certainly merits a year-long celebration during this new millennium.

Thanks, Kenny, for sharing with us and our readers.

Jennifer Allen is publisher of The Ironton Tribune.