Renee Perna

I did not know Renee Perna. But I wish I had met this remarkable woman. Her obituary captured what a wonderful person she was; religiously devoted, brilliantly artistic, and dedicated mother and grandmother. It also showed me another side of the life of her husband, Giuseppe, whom I did know. As a UW Medical Student (‘73), at graduation time, the tradition was that a student receiving his/her MD degree would be accompanied by another professional, Ph. D or MD. Having come from a rural Wisconsin farm community, I had no one in my family who could fill that custom. So, after spending time under the supervision of Dr. Giuseppe Perna, he volunteered to do this favor for me. accompanying me as I received my degree. For Dr. Perna and his family, I am quite sure this was not what he had planned to do on a weekend in the Spring of 1973! But he did it willingly and with warmth and charm. To the Perna Family, this is my turn to offer you my sympathy, but also my thanks. -Gregory L. Sheehy MD