Faith Margaret Venezia

Set Free On Angel Wings

Faith Margaret Venezia, 2, daughter of Erica Lynn (Schweikert) and William J. Venezia, of Newtown, died December 22, at Danbury Hospital. Faith was born September 30, 2008, with a rare heart defect, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and an even rarer disease, pulmonary vein stenosis.

She endured three open-heart surgeries, numerous procedures, and countless doctors’ appointments, all with a smile on her face. Faith was a true joy to be with, always trying some trick to get people to laugh and would not stop until every person in the room had laughed with her. She had an amazing sense of humor and magical beauty about her. People often stopped Faith to say how beautiful she was and Faith would reward them with an animal sound, a “have a nice day,” or “silly paci.”

Faith was the most courageous person and reminded all who knew her to live life to the fullest and enjoy all the simple moments. She loved to snuggle, watch her shows (especially Dora the Explorer and Wonder Pets), and send videos or phone calls to her grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Faith had an extensive vocabulary and truly understood everything that was said to her. She loved to sing songs, make animal sounds, play with her cousins, and read books. She enjoyed camping with her family and was looking forward to having a “ham-monster” party on her next birthday.

“As we say goodbye to our precious little girl, we wish for everyone to celebrate Faith’s life by relishing in the simple things and taking the time for the extra snuggle. We consider ourselves to be so incredibly blessed and lucky to have been the parents of this extraordinary little girl who was truly magical, as seen by the thousands of people whose lives she touched. We will always love and miss our little ‘troublemaker’ but rejoice in knowing she is dancing with the angels, watching over us all,” said her parents.

Faith leaves behind her mother, father, unborn brother or sister, and her “older sister,” Zoey the dog.

On her maternal side, she is survived by her Grandpa Walter and Grammy Peggy Schweikert; Aunt Christy and Uncle Bill Capone; Uncle Paul and Aunt Marlene Schweikert; Aunt Karen and Uncle Ryan Mangino; cousins and best friends, Morgan and Braydon Capone.

On her paternal side, Faith is survived by Grandpa Bill and Grandma Joann Venezia; Aunt Lisa and Uncle Ron Lawrence; great-grandparents, PopPop Bill and G.G. Mary Venezia. She is also survived by countless extended cousins and friends.

The family is grateful to Boston Children’s Hospital, where Faith received her cardiac care; her pediatrician who went above and beyond; and the Scotty Fund of Bethel for all the services they provided.

Calling hours are scheduled for Thursday, December 30, from 2 to 4 pm, and 6 to 8 pm, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. The funeral Mass is scheduled for Friday, December 31, at 11 am, at St Rose of Lima Church, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Scotty Fund, PO Box 1080, Bethel CT 06801. There will be a toy donation to benefit the Cardiac Unit at Boston Children’s Hospital, where all young patients receive a toy with each visit. Toy donations may be brought to Honan Funeral Home on December 30, or sent to 10 Farrell Road, Newtown CT 06470.

The Newtown Bee       December 31, 2010