Joann Ventura Listi

Joann Ventura Listi peacefully entered eternal life on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the age of 97. A devoted Catholic, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Joann lived a life rooted in faith, family, tradition, and unwavering love.

Born on October 8, 1928, in Dallas, Texas, Joann was the cherished daughter of Tony Ventura and Marie Catallina Ventura. She grew up in a proud Italian family where faith, hard work, food, and family were woven into daily life. Her father owned Tony’s Fine Food on Akard Street, near downtown Dallas, and she carried forward that same spirit of hospitality and devotion throughout her life. Joann was deeply proud of her Italian heritage — she loved the traditions, the food, the gatherings, and especially the closeness of her extended family and cousins.

She attended Ursuline Academy and North Dallas High School and later attended Southern Methodist University, an experience she always carried with pride and enthusiasm. She treasured her years in the Italian Girls Club alongside her lifelong friends, and her love for Dallas and its traditions never left her.

Joann was a lifelong member of Saint Bernard Catholic Church in Casa Linda, where her faith was nurtured and lived out daily. She was an active member of the Catholic Daughters and volunteered faithfully at Our Lady of Charity. Her Catholic faith guided every chapter of her life and was the foundation of her strength, generosity, and deep devotion.

Joann’s greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of six children and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished Sunday family dinners that became treasured traditions. She is survived by her brother and his wife, Anthony and Virginia Ventura; her children Rose Marie and George Hansen; Sam and Karen Listi; Liz and Bruce Nelson; John and Lynne Listi; and Gina and Dale Stokes and Katherine Listi. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Listi; her son, Christopher Mario Listi; and her loyal furry companion, Cleo. Her legacy continues through 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her love, strength, and spirit. She also had a special place in her heart for all of her cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joann was deeply devoted to her husband, John, whom she loved wholeheartedly. When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at just 53 years old, Joann became his steadfast caregiver and fierce advocate for 16 years, a profound testament to her strength, loyalty, and sacrificial love.

After raising her six children, Joann joined the workforce at Gaston Middle School, where she worked for more than 20 years. She became a beloved presence to countless students, offering kindness, encouragement, and consistency that left a lasting impression on generations of families.

She loved gathering with her cousins and lifelong girlfriends, hosting dinner parties, taking trips to Las Vegas, shopping at NorthPark Mall, wearing her favorite lipstick, and enjoying a good movie. She embraced life with style, grace, humor, and deep devotion.

Above all, Joann leaves behind a legacy of love — love for her family, her husband, her faith, her heritage, and her beloved Dallas. She now rests in the arms of the Lord she trusted so deeply.

Tuesday, March 3rd, the Holy Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Holy Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, 1408 Old Gate Lane, Dallas, Texas 75218. A reception will follow. Holy Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Holy Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, 1404 Old Gate Lane, Dallas, Texas 75218. A reception will follow.

At 2:00 p.m. a brief Rite of Committal will be held at Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, Texas 75220.

For those who wish to join us, you are most welcome.