L. Peter Katavolos and his late wife, Mary, are a great part of the history of Penick Village.

Mary Katavolos was an energetic early president of the Penick Village Board of Directors, infusing the board with her vitality and enthusiasm for the Penick Village mission and ministry.

The couple donated several acres of land on which their house had once been to Penick Village. Now that land is the future sight of the new Penick Woodlands apartment building.

"I approve whole-heartedly of what you are doing," Peter Katavolos said, as he and his family were informed about the future expansion plans.

In August, Penick Village invited Peter, his wife, Madeleine, and his two daughters, Mary Lee Hanafey and Diana Katavolos, to tour the campus and see the expansion plans Penick Village has for the land his family so generously donated.

"When we first bought the house, it was neglected for several years," said Katavolos, as he walked the grounds of the Penick Village campus. "It was built in 1898, and an addition was added onto it in 1928. We lived in it from 1962 until 1985. Then we sold the house and donated the land to Penick Village so we could move to Pinehurst."

Among the many details of the large historic house was a 30 x 30 foot ballroom that was built by Irish craftsmen.

"The woodwork was incredible,"said Katavolos. "It was hardwood pine that was actually taken from the property itself, and my daughters, Mary Lee and Diana were even married there in the house."

Cheryl Futrell, chief operating officer for Penick Village, who has been with Penick Village for more than 30 years, helped guide the Katavolos family around the campus, recalling exactly where their home sat and the driveway leading up to it.

"It was such a wonderful opportunity to tour them around the campus, share with them the future plans, and thank them for their generous gift of land that will allow for this expansion," said Futrell. "It was amazing how Mr. Katavolos still knows several of the residents as well as many of the future residents that will be living in the new Woodlands apartment building."

On Friday, Sept. 18, Penick Village honored the legacy of Mary Katavolos and the life of L. Peter Katavolos at its quarterly board of directors meeting. The Katavolos family was given a plaque in appreciation of their gift. A duplicate of this plaque is on display in the North Building.

"Mary and Peter's passion for the Penick Village family, and our mission of creating a loving community has given us the opportunity for continued growth," said Jeff Hutchins, Penick Village CEO.