Helen Ventura

Helen was born on May 23, 1944, in Fornos de Algodres, Portugal, to Antonio and Amalia Ferreira. As a young child, she immigrated to the United States, where she would go on to build a full and cherished life. She graduated from Danbury High School in 1964 and then pursued her passion for beauty, graduating from the American Academy of Cosmetology in Danbury, where she trained as a hairdresser.

After beginning her career as a hairdresser, Helen met the love of her life, Valentine Ventura. They married on October 2, 1965, together raised a family and were a longtime presence in Danbury's Portuguese community, owning Ventura's Food Store and later Ventura's Insurance and Real Estate.

Helen was the heart of her family. She was known for her delicious cooking and baking, and her famous chocolate cake and apple crisp were loved by all. She had a love of singing and listening to her favorite American oldies and Portuguese music, a joy that stayed with her until her final days. She also enjoyed photography, capturing cherished moments of family and the world around her. She had a wonderful sense of humor that never left her, even in her final years, her wit and warmth brought comfort and joy to everyone around her. Helen faced Alzheimer's disease with remarkable grace. Though diagnosed several years ago, her spirit, humor, and love for her family remained a constant presence throughout her journey.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Amalia Ferreira; her sister, Olga Ferreira; and her brother, Ricardo Ferreira.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Valentine Ventura; her son, Eric Ventura, and daughter-in-law, Sandy Ventura; her daughter, Valerie Ventura-Saadi, and son-in-law, Thomas Saadi; her grandchildren, Carlee Speede (Brandon), Sabrina and Jacob Saadi; her great-grandchildren, Matthew, Jayden and Gabriella; and her beloved siblings, Antonio Ferreira Jr. and Elizabeth Monteiro.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the caring and dedicated staff at Maplewood at Newtown, and to the compassionate team from Regional Hospice, all whose care and kindness were a profound comfort to Helen and her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 11 at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 149 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury followed by the committal of her ashes at St. Peter Cemetery, Lake Avenue Extension, Danbury. Friends and family may arrive at the church after 10:15 AM to greet the family before the Mass begins.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Helen Ventura may be made to Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810.