Sr. Mary Ventura, OP

Springfield Dominican Sister Mary Ventura died on April 26, 2016 at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born in Bradley, Ill., in 1928, one of four children born to Philip and Josephine Ciaccio Ventura. She made her profession of vows in 1947 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield. Sister Mary gave her life educating children and adults. As a primary school teacher, she served in Chicago, Mt. Sterling, Odell, and Springfield. In Aurora and Morrisonville, she was a principal and junior high teacher. She also taught in East Alton and Rantoul, spent 14 summers in Mendota administering a federally-funded program for migrant children, and served part-time on the staff at Alfred Fortin Villa, Bourbonnais. After teaching Vietnamese refugees in Peoria from 1985-1986, Sister Mary moved to St. Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park, where she served for 30 years. She taught fourth grade, and in 1996 started Essential Learning Solutions, a computerized learning program for children and adults with learning difficulties. Sister Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother, Caterina Ventura; her sisters, Josephine Argento and Frances Argento; and two infant brothers. She is survived by her nieces, Nina Engleman and Joann and Phil Marie Argento; a nephew, Al Argento; and many great-nieces and nephews. Visitation: A visitation will begin with a gathering ceremony at 3:00 p.m. and will conclude at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield. A vigil service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Sacred Heart Convent with Rev. Peter Witchousky, OP and Rev. Benedykt Pazdan, concelebrants. Final Commendation and Burial: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2016 at Sacred Heart Convent. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704.