Obituary of Marie Venter

Marie Hanson Venter, 96, passed away on Tuesday evening, August 15, 2017. She will be remembered by her friends and family as a concerned, active, giving and kind woman who always wanted to do the right thing and was appreciative of all those she came to know along the way.

She lived in Cheshire, CT for over 50 years where many knew her as the church secretary at the First Congregational Church. For 60 years, she was married to George Venter, who used to wind the clock on the tall church steeple. Marie was born to Harry A. Hanson and Catherine (Baker) (Hanson) Culbert on October 18, 1920. She grew up in Waterbury, but made Cheshire her home with George and their children Patricia (h. Jay Conant), John (w. Deb Legge), Chuck (w. Maura) and Janice (h. Len Stetson). Marie moved from her home in Cheshire to Mulberry Gardens in Plantsville for 10 years where she sold doughnuts, delivered papers to the residents, and was the local computer wiz.

During her working years she was also employed by Howland Hughes Department Store in Waterbury, and Anderson Tire Shop in Cheshire. She and George were active in their church and Marie also participated as a volunteer in many organizations.

She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. In addition to her own children, Marie enjoyed her many grandchildren and great grandchildren – six grandsons Andrew Stetson (w. Sarah), Jason Stetson, Daniel Stetson (w. Brianna), Christopher Venter, Brian Venter, and Matthew Venter; two step grandsons, Jacob Ripley and Rory Legge; two granddaughters, Jennifer Rowe (h. Chris), and Stephanie Conant. Her four great grandchildren are Addison Stetson, Gretta Rowe, Harper Rowe and Carson Stetson. They will all miss ‘GiGi’ – their nick name for Marie.

Marie is also survived by her sister Rose Myrtle Griffin of Plantsville and a special family friend, Marilyn MacDonald Bonebrake, formerly of Cheshire, now living in Oregon. Marie’s many nieces and nephews will also miss her.

In addition to her husband George, she was predeceased by her 4 brothers (Harry, Herbert, Edward and Karl Hanson) and one son George Venter Jr.

Arrangements:  Funeral services for Marie will take place at the First Congregational Church in Cheshire on Monday, August 21, 2017 at 11:00. Friends are asked to meet directly at church. During the service, there will be an opportunity to share remembrances of Marie. Interment will follow at Cheshire Hillside Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie’s memory can be made to the First Congregational Church of Cheshire, or a charity of your choice. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 South Main St., Cheshire is in charge of arrangements.