Carol Venuti

Carol Jean Venuti passed peacefully in her sleep April 18, 2022in Ventura, California where she had resided with her daughter, Lynne, for the past 3 years.  She was born to Donald (Dodds) DeAndre and Pearl Nellie Underwood on December 2, 1933 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Her parents divorced in 1935, and her mother married Elmer Winger in 1936.  This union produced her two beloved siblings, Irene Winger Smith and Dale Winger.  The family lived in Utah, Arizona and finally settled in Southern California.  Carol attended school in Long Beach and was a member of the class of 1952 at Jordan High School. 

Carol married a classmate, Henry Venuti, Jr., who lived just down the street from her family home.  The first home they purchased was in Lakewood in 1953, and Carol lived in that home for 66 years.  Carol and Henry had 4 children, and they later divorced in 1978.  

Carol was a wonderful mother, sister, nana, nanny, aunt and friend.  She loved nothing more than spending time with her family.  She had the special ability to know just what everyone would like, and to remember everyone’s favorite things.  She was particularly known for delivering special treat bags to all of her friends for every occasion or holiday. She even had her daughters make treat bags for everyone in the last rehab facility she was in, even though she only met about 5 of the residents!

Carol was a homemaker until all of her children were grown, and then she worked for GTE, McDonnell Douglas and Boeing as a telephone operator.  This job suited her well, as talking on the phone was one of her favorite pastimes!  There she made several lasting friends, all of whom were also recipients of her many treats including candy bags, bundt cakes, cookies, brownies, etc.

Probably the best time she ever had was spending time with her grandchildren.  She loved them dearly, and they adored her.  She also had a special place in her heart for all of her nieces and nephews.  She loved to spoil them, too.  And she loved it when her Utah nieces and nephews would come and stay at her home in Lakewood, which was a stepping-stone to Disneyland and the beach. She was the perfect hostess!

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she gave freely of her time and talents for many, many years.  This was also a source of deep and lasting friendships that carried with her until the end of her life. That was the hardest part of her relocation to Ventura; she missed her friends immensely.  She was grateful for her phone and Facebook to stay in touch with everyone!

Carol was predeceased by her parents, her infant sister Jennifer(1932), her son-in-law Guy Wysinger (2015), her sister Irene (2016) and her brother Dale, who passed just one week prior to her death.  We know Dale was with her at the end and helped her pass through the veil to meet her loved ones.

Carol is survived by her children: Lynne Wysinger, Michael Venuti, Cindi Slettvet (Greg), and Susan Hampton (Bob).  She is also survived by nine grandchildren:  Amy Andreasen, Emily Andreasen Wilson (Brandon), Eric Andreasen (Megan), Briana Venuti, Brooks Venuti, Brandon Slettvet (Carla), Brittney Slettvet Cabianca, Chad Hampton and Addyson Hampton.  Thirteen great-grandchildren include Grace, Sydney, Ellie, Maya, Lily, Kara, Nolan, Chloe, Layne, Parker, Bowen, Kaiden and Forrest.

Carol will be interred in the Salem City Utah Cemetery next to her mother and sisters on Saturday, May 21, 2022.  

A celebration of her life is planned for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022, to be held at the LDS Atherton Ward Chapel at 6500 E. Atherton Street, Long Beach, 90815.  

In lieu of flowers, our mother would love a donation to the Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.  https://intermountainhealthcare.org/primary-childrens/give

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