Loretta Ellen Ventura

On Saturday, September 10th, 2022, Loretta “Lori” Ellen Ventura passed away. Lori was born May 26, 1938, in Koloa, Kauai to Wallace and Caroline Ah Nee (Fujita). She was the oldest of three children, with her brother, Bob, and sister, Lani. She grew up in Kauai until her father’s work took the family to Oahu. Her father instilled in her a lifelong love of reading. After her father’s sudden death when she was nine years old, her mother moved them back to Kauai to be surrounded by family.   

Lori and Bill attended Holy Cross Catholic School and there began their lifelong devotion. They played as children, attended a high school dance even though they lived on different islands, and dated all through college. Lori was so proud of her accomplishment graduating from Queen of Angels in Los Angeles, CA with a BS in Nursing. She remained close friends with her graduating class throughout her life. After graduation in 1958, Lori married her best friend, Bill. They settled in Westchester, CA. By 1965, the family moved to Huntington Beach, CA. Through faith and patience, Lori and Bill raised their ten children. Her Mom, Caroline, helped run the household of 13. As active members of St. Bonaventure parish and school, Lori and Bill rooted their children in faith, devotion to God, and love for family. Lori was a faithful servant to the Catholic community as a volunteer health room nurse, lector, parish council member, Magnificat host, and family prayer warrior. She was a spiritual inspiration and mentor touching the lives of many with her faith and love of our Blessed Mother.  

Lori was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, grandmother, Tutu, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend to many. Most of all she loved the Lord and celebrated mass daily. Between the ages of 50-70, choosing with great intention, Lori traveled to religious sites around the world. Although she suffered from her illness, she never lost her faith and devotion to Mary. Her greatest prayer is for her 85 immediate family members, to know and honor the Lord.  

She is survived by her husband, Bill; 10 children, 30 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. Greg (Jackie), 5 children, 9 grandchildren; Tambi (Gregg), 3 children, 7 grandchildren; Karlyne (Mike) 5 children, 5 grandchildren; Chris (Flor), 1 child; Kym, 3 children, 2 grandchildren; Tiffany 2 children, 2 grandchildren; Tiare (Mike), 3 children; Todd (Joanna), 3 children; Joshua (Maggie), 3 children; Jon (Denise), 2 children; brother, Bob (Lu); and sister, Lani (Jack). 

Funeral services will be held at St. Bonaventure Church in Huntington Beach on Saturday, September 24th with the rosary at 9:30 am and services at 10:00 am followed by a “celebration of life” in the parish hall. 

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