Venessa Marie Gentile

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter, Venessa Marie, Gentile. Venessa passed away at home in Calgary on Friday, August 18, 2023 at the age of 38.

Venessa was born on June 8, 1985, in Calgary, where she grew up, went to school, and lived her whole life. She had an infectious laugh and a smile that would light up a room, delighting everyone who knew her. Venessa loved her family and friends wholeheartedly, and she was always very caring and selfless. She was excellent company, she was interested in people and the world around her, and despite her own hardships, she put others at ease. Her compassion extended to animals, and Venessa was always bringing home needy creatures. Once, she even brought a duckling, named Sunshine, home. Sunshine decided that Venessa was her mommy, and she followed her wherever she went, becoming her little shadow and constant companion for years. Venessa loved and was loved completely, in return, by her Chihuahuas, Luigi and Chica (who passed away). Animals brought Venessa joy, and her affection and affinity for them meant our house was never without pets. Venessa had many passions and talents, including sports and performing arts. Venessa enjoyed and excelled at soccer. She also displayed an uncanny ability to recite lines from movies, after only a viewing or two. During her favorite time of year, Halloween, Venessa loved to create, and wear elaborate costumes that showed off her creative and design skills. She enjoyed dancing, and she performed in the Stampede parade with a salsa group. At about the same time, Venessa began modeling and competed in the Tropical Beauty Contest under the Big Top at the Stampede grounds. She was very proud of the stunning, professional photographs that were taken of her.  

Venessa leaves behind her loving parents, Sebastian and Debbie; her sister Samantha; her Nonna Giuseppina; her uncle Howard; cousins, Hayden, and Evan; and many extended family and friends. Venessa was predeceased by her Nonno Giuseppe Gentile; her Zia Maria Gentile; and by her Oma and Opa, Hubert and Gerda Van Den Hoef. We are certain they were all waiting for her with open arms.

We invite family and friends and all who knew Venessa for a viewing at Evan J. Strong Funeral Services North on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 6:30pm.

For her family, friends, and pets, though, it is her inner beauty, kindness, compassion, and love that will be remembered most fondly and dearly missed.

If tears could build a stairway

And memories a lane,

I’d walk right up to heaven

And bring you home again.