Evelyn V. Ventura

Evelyn V. (Pignataro) Ventura, 86, of Worcester, passed away peacefully, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. Her husband of fifty years, Vito J. Ventura, predeceased her in June 2003.Evelyn is survived by a son, Vito J. Ventura, Jr. of Worcester; three daughters, Barbara A. Montgomery of Worcester, Rita V. Putrus and her husband Scott of Elizabeth City, NC, and Mary T. Prestes and her husband Paul of Sturbridge; two sisters, Mary Morello of Worcester, and Sylvia Murphy of Charlton; six grandchildren, Lauren Zborowski, Robin Stolberg, Megan Montgomery, James Montgomery, Joseph Putrus, and Eric Putrus; three great grandchildren, Natalie, Lukas, and Kade; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Frank Pignataro. She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Umile and Valenzia (Guzzi) Pignataro, and has lived here all her life.She worked for the Small Business Insurance Bureau, before she retired; she had previously worked in the medical records department at UMass Medical Center; and prior to that she worked at Worcester Public Library. Evelyn was a devoted Catholic woman; she belonged to the former Saint Margaret Mary Parish and was currently a member of Saint Stephen’s Parish, and prayed daily to Saint Jude, not only for her own intentions, but for those on her prayer list.Evelyn was proud of her Italian heritage and delighted in gathering her family for dinner, where they could celebrate good food, good cheer, and their love for one another. She enjoyed walks, crocheting, special times at her Hyannis home and the simplicity of being with those she loved.The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the wonderful people at VNA Care Network-Hospice, especially Giselle, Tricia, Pat, and Vanessa, who assisted Evelyn’s family in keeping her at home. Calling hours for Evelyn will be held on Thursday, December 17, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral will be held on Friday, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Stephen’s Church, 357 Grafton Street, Worcester. Interment, beside her beloved husband, will follow in Saint John’s Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Saint Jude Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org