Maria C. Ventrice

Marie C. Ventrice, born on November 23rd, 1931, in Queens, NY, passed away on Friday January 26th, 2024, at 11:07am, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a life well-lived. Born prematurely at only 2 pounds to Maria Christine and Luigi Russo, both of Italian descent. Growing up in New York, Marie embraced life with an adventurous spirit.

Marie dedicated much of her life to the world of beauty as a hairdresser. Her days were spent tirelessly on her feet, always adorned with a smile that endeared her to all she encountered. Her willingness to lend a helping hand and her sociable nature made her an integral part of her community.

Music and dance were Marie’s joys, and she continued to sing and dance, even up to a few days before her passing. One of her favorite tunes, “There’s a Kind of Hush (All Over the World)” by Engelbert Humperdinck, held a special place in her heart. She also loved the legendary Frank Sinatra – My Way. Her love for music was rivaled only by her love for her late husband, Anthony Ventrice, whom she married on January 12th, 1952, in a love story reminiscent of a fairy tale.

Together, Marie and Anthony raised three children, Joseph, Louis, and Tinamarie, and their family bond grew stronger over the years. Marie’s love for her family was as strong as her passion for cooking. Her culinary skills were legendary, especially her world-famous NY-style cheesecake, made from a closely guarded family recipe. Her home was always open, and she welcomed everyone with a warm meal prepared with love.

Family was the center of Marie’s universe. Her grandchildren, Christopher, Matthew, Joshua, Marissa, Elizabeth, Anthony, and her great grandchild Carter were her pride and joy. As their unwavering cheerleader, she showered them with love, kindness, and compassion. Her love extended beyond blood ties, as she treated friends and extended family with the same warmth and kindness.

Marie’s passion for travel took her to various corners of the globe, having explored the corners of the world from Hawaii to Russia and everywhere in between. Her artistic side flourished through her bead doilies, crafted with love, and gifted to family and friends with pride. A social butterfly, she reveled in activities like playing Skip-Bo, visiting the casino (or as she humorously called it, the “internet”), and attending shows and luncheons with family and friends. She loved shopping and always had perfectly coordinated outfits.

Her busy social life, love for costume events, and infectious positivity earned her the affectionate nickname “Smiley.” Whether watching TV shows like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Blue Bloods, or cheering for her favorite baseball team, Marie embraced life with zest and grace. She was smart, quick-witted, and had fun stories, songs, jokes and always gave the best advice.

Marie’s 92 years were a tapestry of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. While the void left by her absence is profound, her memory will endure in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have known and loved her. If you expressed your love to Marie, her response was always, “I LOVE YOU MORE!” In celebrating her life, let us carry forward the warmth of her smile and the boundless love she shared with everyone around her.

– Matthew J. Ventrice in collaboration with Tinamarie Ventrice Bliach