Benay Venuta

Benay Venuta born in London Ontario on December 3 1949, the first highly anticipated child of Flora (McLean) Venuta and Bernard (Barney) Venuta. Born into a musical family, Benay learned to play the flute at a young age, but her creative talents really lay in clothing design and sewing. After leaving university she moved to Toronto and started her clothing line for rock band stage shows. Her then husband was a musician and his band was one of the first to wear her designs. Her label was ‘Lady MoonLight Designs’. Her creations were silky, satiny, flowy, colourful and very 70’s! She opened and ran her shop ‘Lady Moonlight’ on Queen Street East in the beaches where she raised her little girl Gina. By the early 80’s Benay, as a single mom, moved her little family which now included her son Jonas to London to be near her father and ailing mother. Here her last child, her daughter Zarina was born here and completed her family. Benay continued to create and sew; she did have a shop on Dundas Street east for a few years. Ultimately she found her way into the customer service industry.

Benay was a one of kind, of that there was no doubt! She was creative and talented. When Benay became a Christian she was dedicated and faithful to Jesus. Her commitment to her church and her church family and friends was second to none. She lived to spread the word of her faith. Her dedication to raising her family as a single mom was inspiring. She worked long hours but made it work. She always kept a roof over their heads and food in their tummies and dressed them way cooler then the other kids. Benay’s house was always, always full of kids, animals, cats, dogs, guinea pigs, sometimes birds, even a free range rabbit! Her dogs and cats in her final years at home gave her so much comfort.

Benay suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, and resulting complications, the same disease as her mother suffered. The amazing support staff at The Dearness Home, Birchwalk East, showed her love, compassion, warmth and care. Her end days were full of kindness, love and tenderness.

Benay is survived by her three children Gina Shapiro of Toronto, Jonas Shapiro (Jessica Butler) of London and Zarina Beattie (Jesse) of London, her sister Michele Venuta Elo (late Stan Elo), cousins, Gina Venuta Colona of Florida, and Bob Venuta of Victoria BC. Benay was also blessed with six incredible and beautiful grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew. Her legacy is large and continues to grow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the London or Toronto Humane Society, or a charity of your choice to honour Benay’s memory.

Needhams Funeral Home and Woodland Cemetery are in care of final details. Cremation has taken place; a private family committal will take place at a future date.