Sheila M. Venezia

Sheila Marie Venezia (Canty), 84, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on December 11, 2025, in Colorado Springs. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and a presence that will deeply missed by all who knew her.

Sheila was born in Colorado Springs to Margaret and Donat Canty on January 7, 1941. A lifelong Catholic, Sheila attended grade school at Corpus Christi and graduated in 1958 from St. Mary’s High School.

She met the love of her life, John Venezia, at Divine Redeemer Catholic Singles group and they married on February 23, 1963 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Colorado Springs.

Sheila was known for her strength, her warmth, and her passion for showing up for the people she loved. She exemplified generosity, care for others, and enduring love for her family. She was especially gifted in making people feel seen and valued, and her kindness left an ever lasting impression on everyone she met. She was a consistent source of wisdom, support, and comfort. Her legacy will live on through her grandchildren.

After John’s death, Sheila courageously stepped into his land development business during a time of profound personal loss. With determination and integrity, she successfully continued the business and protected the family’s interests, ensuring stability and security for her family. In doing so, she carried forward and honored his legacy while building one of her own.

She found joy in swimming, playing piano, painting, and gardening. Her passion for history, specifically Colorado history, lead her to volunteering at the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, which was very close to her heart. She delighted in watching the antics of birds and squirrels through her kitchen window and loved to lose herself in a good book—especially Louis L’Amour’s frontier stories. She had a deep appreciation for architecture, the art of the Vatican Museums and she treasured the friendships she made through the Kinnikinnick Antique Club.

She was also very proud of her support of Cowgirls and Cocktails, Newborn Hope, United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Pennies for Nicoll , Pikes Peak Range Rider Foundation, Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, the Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs and Catholic Charities of Colorado.

Sheila is preceded in death by her husband, John; her son, John; her sister, Peggy; her parents, Margaret and Donat.

Sheila is survived by her children: Rosemarie, Dean ( Dawn), Daniel and Kathleen; her grandchildren: Madeline, Megan, Dean, and John; her brother and sister: Patrick and Donna; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral mass will be held, Thursday December 18th at 3:00 pm at Saint Mary's Cathedral, 22 W Kiowa St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Reception to follow at the El Paso Club, 30 E. Platte Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903.

Donations may be made in Sheila’s name to the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum or Catholic Charities of Central Colorado.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Pikes Peak Palliative Care and Comfort Keepers (especially Hiwot, Maribel, and Devon). We are also especially grateful to Lani, whose compassionate care and devotion made her feel like family to Sheila.