Mrs Margaret "Marge" Ann (Silveira) Ventura

Margaret “Marge” Ann (Silveira) Ventura


Margaret “Marge” Ventura passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and savior on August 31, 2020 at the age of 96.

She was a one-of-a-kind lady, from the great generation of women, who lived her life with an unparalleled selfless quality; always putting her family’s needs before her own. She was generous, compassionate, kindhearted, loving, smart, fun, savvy, determined, and sassy. Marge was a diamond that sparkled for all who knew and loved her. She maneuvered her way through her long life with much grace, fortitude, kindness, and of course, her beautiful smile. She was quite the lady.

Marge’s journey began on December 28, 1923 in Tranquility, California. She was the daughter of Azorean immigrants, Joseph Joaquin Silveira and Anna (Armas) Silveira. Marge was the fourteenth child in a family of sixteen brothers and sisters. She is the final survivor of the original Silveira sixteen.

Life’s beginning was hard for Marge, in her rural westside farming town. This was exacerbated by the loss of both of her parents at the age of three. She was raised by the Silveira family’s midwife, Mary Machado and her husband, Joseph, along with three of her beloved brothers, Little Joe, John, and Manuel, or as she would call them, her “childhood protectors.”

Family was everything to Marge. After living in Fresno for a short while during high school, she moved back to Tranquility to help take care of her four bachelor brothers who were starting out in their own farming operations. She was eager to help her family, while at the same time attending school to receive her much desired high school diploma.

Marge married the love of her life and complement to her existence, Gene Ventura, on April 27, 1947. Theirs was a union that stood the test of time. For 73 years, they laughed, sung, and danced their way through life together. Marge endeared herself to the extended Ventura family. She loved them greatly.

Marge was always a hard worker. As a newlywed, she used her entrepreneurial skills when she started her own successful organic egg ranch with her precious mother-in-law Maria C. Ventura.
Marge was also a strong supporter and partner to her husband in their beauty salon business. For over four decades, they worked side by side, making Fresno’s women more beautiful. She was Gene’s model for various hairstyle contests, where she helped him bring home many first place trophies. It was common for Marge to spend her early morning hours working with chickens or on her small family vineyard and then get “glammed up” and head to work at the beauty salon.

Marge was an outstanding mother to her two children, Monte and Tammy. She would always go the extra mile to support them unconditionally and was giving of her time and love. She adored her two granddaughters, Hilary and Hayley. She was a generous supporter of all of their endeavors, kindly giving advice, along with love, and of course, her delicious homemade treats.

Marge was unparalleled in her attention to detail in whatever she did; a true perfectionist at heart. She was an extraordinary cook, baker, and hostess. Her holiday tables and décor are still talked about. Her meals were feasts to behold. Thoughts of her Christmas cookies make many remember the wonderful holidays that were shared. She loved a good party and was always ready to enjoy fun times with family and friends.

Marge was quite an advocate for all of God’s creatures. Her nurturing ways were put to good use as she nursed many stray cats and dogs back to health.

Marge was everything to her family. She was the one to run to when life’s challenges occurred. She would console, advise, and love without judgment. Her love emanated to many, including her son-in-law Harold Jr., whom she adored. Her family considers themselves extremely blessed to have had her in their corner.

Our dear Marge, our mom, our nanny, lived for the last four years at Horizon Subacute Center, where she spent her days with her family by her side. She continued to live with grace and elegance, befitting of the lady that she was.

Marge, a beloved sister, wife, mother, nanny, great-grandmother, and auntie is now free of her earthly tethers, resting with her precious Lord. She is survived by her loving husband Gene Ventura, her children, Monte Ventura and Tammy Ventura Habib (Harold Habib Jr.), her grandchildren, Hilary Habib (Scott Janczyk) and Hayley Habib, great-grandson, Asher Habib Janczyk, sister-in-law, Elsie Silveira, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Marge was definitely a beauty by any standard, but her inner beauty is what sets her apart. Her priorities were always her family and faith. She left an indelible mark on her world and all those who loved her. She will be sorely missed but never forgotten. She is forever in her family’s hearts. Rest now, precious Marge.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Marge’s services will be private. A celebration of life memorial will be held at a later date. Thank you for your understanding.