Cecilia Vener

Cecilia Beatrice "Sissy" Vener, age 105 of Sauk Centre, died Sunday, May 3, 2009 at St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 7 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Dick McGuire will officiate with interment following in St. Bernard's Cemetery in Ward Springs.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Cecilia Beatrice Vener "Sissy" was born August 13, 1903 in Genoa, Wisconsin. Her maternal and paternal grandparents were immigrants from the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Once in the United States, the families were among a number of immigrants that found their way to Geona, Wisconsin, so named because it was settled largely by Italians. When Sissy was two, her parents moved the family to Ward Springs where they farmed for many years. Cecilia was the middle child with older siblings, Frank, Gertrude, Sister Dolorata, and Joe, as well as four younger siblings, Mary, Elsie, Bill, and Vivion. She lived for more than 70 years on the farm in Ward Springs, first helping her parents farm and then, when her father died, helping her mother and brother carry on. She cared for her mother until her death at the age of 103. Cecilia devoted her life to family and friends. She helped those who needed her when they gave birth to their children, when they needed nursing, and whenever a willing and hard working helping hand was needed. Sissy and the rest of the Vener family, who resided in Ward Springs, were members of St. Bernard's Parish where she took care of the altar for many years. She laundered and ironed all of the linens for the altar and she also took care of flowers for the church. She volunteered at Sauk Centre's St. Michael's Hospital as a member of the Auxiliary. Cecilia baked and cooked favorite family dishes for relatives and friends. A much loved spice cake recipe that she got from her sister became a favorite among many family members and she was always happy to make risotto, an Italian dish that she taught many other family members to make. In 1980 when her mother died, Cecilia moved to Sauk Centre.

She joined St. Paul's Parish and became a member of the Christian Mothers. She lived at the Manor where she made lasting friendships among other residents who enjoyed playing cards, praying the rosary, and volunteering. After nearly 27 years at the Manor, she became a resident of St. Michael's Nursing Home in 2007.Cecilia Beatrice leaves behind one brother, Vivion, and generations of other family members who will miss her greatly. They will cherish the many wonderful memories she was instrumental in creating as well as family stories she enjoyed telling.

Serving as casket bearers will be Sharon Didier, Beverly Atwood, Larry Vener, Cheryl Maloney, Stan Quist, and Daniel Vener. Cross bearer will be Renee Kennedy and scripture bearer will be Zachary Atwood. Gift bearers will be Renita Quist and Tom Atwood.