Rose Mary Ventura

VENTURA, Rose Mary, passed away with her family by her side on May 15, 2015. Born in Chicago in 1927, Rose Mary grew up in a musical family. As a child she often sang and performed with her father, Robert LaCarr, who was a professional musician. Rose Mary was middle child, she had an older brother and younger brother, and fondly remembered traditional Italian family gatherings where there was always a lively bunch. Rose Mary married Ernest Ventura in 1951, and they shared 50 wonderful years of marriage. Together they had two children, Kathleen and Stephen. They moved to California in the late 50’s, and settled in Paso Robles in 1999.

Rose Mary loved to travel, Hawaii being one of her favorite destinations. One trip that was especially memorable for her was when she and Ernie went to Lourdes and Rome, where they were in audience with the Pope. As a life-long homemaker, she loved decorating her home, painting and spending time with her family.

In her later years, Rose Mary was a feisty addition to the Yellow Rose Senior Living Facility. She loved to sing Italian songs, and was often the life of the party. Rose Mary’s Catholic Faith was firmly established and she would always bless others with her holy water. If you had a problem, she would pray for you and sprinkle you with holy water.

She is survived by her children, Stephen (Michelle) Ventura of Templeton, CA; Kathleen Ventura of Seattle, WA; and two grandchildren, Shelby and Austin Ventura. She also leaves behind her younger brother, Robert LaCarr, Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eugenia LaCarr, and older brother Michael LaCarr, and her husband of 50 years, Ernest Ventura.

A funeral mass was celebrated in her honor on May 21, 2015 at the St. Williams Catholic Church in Atascadero. She was laid to rest with her husband at the San Luis Cemetery. Memorial contributions are humbly appreciated in her honor to the wonderful staff at the Central Coast Hospice, who were so generous and gave her excellent care.