Paula Wisenbaker Whisenant

Clorinda “Petey” DiPietro Wisenbaker was born in Sparks, Nevada to parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Lucca, Italy. After High School, Petey left home to attend nursing school at St. Mary’s in San Francisco, California. While working at a hospital there, Petey met Royce Wisenbaker, a native Texan who was being treated at the hospital where she worked.

Petey’s priority in life was to be a loving wife and mother. She supported her children and participated in their lives by volunteering to lead the neighborhood Scout troops, serving many times as room mother, and cheering them on at their sporting events and dance recitals. She had a deep religious faith, and gave countless hours in volunteer services to both the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and St. Gregory Catholic School. She attended so many events at Texas A&M University with her husband Royce that one of Royce’s friends presented her with a diamond Texas A&M pin, citing the number of hours spent with the school, that she should have “lettered” at the university. Petey passed away on October 14, 2008.

Established by her daughter, Paula, the scholarship provides annual awards to students pursuing a career in nursing, just like Petey.