Venerina Paci

PACI, Venerina - It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the family of Venerina Paci announce her passing on May 12, 2026, at the F. J. Davey Home in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with loved ones by her side. She was 94 years old.

Venerina was born in Santa Maria delle Fabbrecce, a small town near Pesaro, Italy on August 7th, 1931. She was the daughter of Ugo Cerri and Gina Valentini and sister of Celestina Fabbri. After surviving the many challenges of the Second World War, Venerina longed for a better life. At the age of 21, she followed her heart and made the difficult decision to leave her family in Italy and emigrate to Sault Ste. Marie where her future husband, Aristodemo Paci and future mother-in-law, Ilde Fastiggi, were already residing. Venerina and Aristodemo (fondly known as Demo) were married there on June 14, 1952, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. They proudly raised two children, Marsha and Robert, and lovingly cared for Ilde in their home for 25 years.

Venerina will always be remembered for her outgoing, energetic and hardworking nature. Upon arriving in Sault Ste. Marie, she immediately set out to find work at various local businesses and later found steady employment at Loblaws on Queen St. followed by Safeway on Great Northern Road in the meat department. She always spoke fondly of these working years and the many friends she made along the way.

Venerina enjoyed an active social life. Along with her husband, Demo, they were very proud to be long standing members of the Marconi Society and regularly participated in various functions held there over the years. And since she loved to dance, she could never resist a good waltz at these events.

Venerina was curious and adventurous. Whether it was a family car ride around the city outskirts or a trip with the Sunshine Club, she was happy to explore and seek out new experiences.

Venerina’s cooking skills developed over the years with the guidance of her mother-in-law and she regularly treated the family to many tasty soups, pasta dishes, desserts and her famous cheese bread known as “crescia”.

Venerina’s home was welcoming and open to friends and neighbours. She was happy to chat on the back patio, share homemade goods and lend a helping hand, whenever needed.

Venerina’s legacy will be her devotion and commitment to family. She took great pride in her husband, her children and her grandchildren and all their accomplishments. Most recently, she was thrilled to become a great-grandmother to baby Robby. Above all, her care and love for her husband and mother-in-law in their later years were unsurpassed.

As Venerina reunites with Demo, her husband of 68 years, she will be dearly missed by daughter Marsha (Eros); son Robert (Anita); grandsons Adriano (Marsha), Gianmarco, Adam (Alexandra), Matthew (Samantha); great-grandson Robby; sister Celestina (late Carlo); nephews Roberto and Maurizio and great-nephews Andrea and Alex along with many friends and relatives, and furry friend, Charlie.

The Paci family wish to extend their sincerest thanks to the excellent team of the Apple Orchard wing at the F. J. Davey home for their attentive, loving and compassionate care of Venerina during her stay there. As well, heartfelt gratitude to Rob and Anita Paci for their unwavering love and support of Venerina over the years.

A private funeral service was held at the Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East, 705-759-2522) and burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie. Memorial donations to the F. J. Davey Home (payable by cheque or online) would be most appreciated by the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Paci family.

Rest gently, Venerina. You will be forever in our hearts.