Obituary of Rita L. Venables

It is with great sadness that the family of Rita (Lamontagne) Venables, age 88, of Monroe, announce that Rita passed away peacefully on Monday, January 11, 2021. She was the wife of the late Russell A. Venables for 37 years. Born in Lawrence, MA on September 15, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Alma (Page) Lamontagne. Prior to raising her family, Rita worked as secretary to the finance director of the Town of Stratford.

A graduate of Stratford High School class of 1950, Rita's classmates predicted she would be best remembered for her pleasantness, which proved an understatement over the ensuing 71 years. Rita was one of those rare, special people—all who knew her loved and cherished her. Throughout her life Rita had a deep appreciation for music and fond childhood memories of singing in three-part harmony with her mother and brother while washing dishes or conducting other daily chores. She also was capable of astonishing her family by casually "naming that tune" faster than the contestants on the popular television show of that name. Rita had an active mind, a good-natured sense of humor, and liked completing crossword puzzles. She remained interested in current affairs, had a heartfelt love and appreciation of her country, and enjoyed a good parade. Her faith was unshakeable and central to her life. She was active at St. Mark Church, Stratford for 32 years where she was elected to serve on the parish council, and, for the last 26 years, a parishioner of St. Jude Church, Monroe. Above all, Rita will be remembered for her devotion to her family, all of whom were most precious to her. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, full of love and affection. Children were naturally drawn to her, and young and old alike will profoundly miss her.

Survivors include her seven loving children, Thomas Venables (Beverly) of Dennis, MA and their three children, Patricia Kenefic of Raphine, VA and her three children, Daniel Venables (Brady) of Lexington, SC and their two children, Debra Dubuc (Dennis) of Leland, NC and their two children, John Venables (Susan) of Monroe, CT and their two children, Paul Venables (Annette) of Mill Valley, CA and their two children, and Jeffrey Venables (Samantha) of Van Nuys, CA in addition to nine great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved brother, Robert J. Lamontagne.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a private viewing for immediate family will be held on Monday, January 18, 2021 followed by an 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial open to friends at St. Jude Church, Monroe CT. Face masks and social distancing are required. To live stream Rita's funeral Mass, visit www.stjuderc.org, click on Masses then click on View Masses. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rita's memory to the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org/donate/donate-memorial. Arrangements have been entrusted to Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, Trumbull.

Click here to view Mass: St. Jude Live Stream