Maureen Suitor Ventry

Maureen Suitor Ventry, of Lewiston, NY, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, at Our Lady of Peace in Lewiston. She was 89.

Born on December 25, 1936, in Niagara Falls, NY, Maureen was the daughter of Hon. Harry D. and Katherine (Daw) Suitor. A proud graduate of Lewiston-Porter High School, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Buffalo and master’s degree in Education from Niagara University, an accomplishment that reflected her lifelong commitment to learning and teaching.

On June 29, 1957, Maureen married William G. Ventry, Jr., and together they shared 61 years of devoted marriage until William’s passing in 2018. Their partnership was the foundation of a loving family and a life filled with service to their community.

Maureen worked for 25 years as the bookkeeper for Ventry’s Automotive before returning to her passion for education. She taught in the Niagara Falls and Ken-Ton School Districts, as well as with Orleans-Niagara BOCES in Adult Education and Migrant Education Programs. Her leadership and creativity were instrumental in developing new programs that expanded opportunities for adult learners, work that left a lasting impact on countless students.

She was a member of the College Club of Niagara Falls and served as a union representative with the Niagara Falls Board of Education for over 18 years. Deeply involved in her children’s activities, Maureen dedicated her time to the Boys and Girls Scouts in Youngstown and to Niagara Hockey, always offering her support with enthusiasm and pride.

In addition to her beloved husband, Maureen was predeceased by her loving daughter, Katherine Marie Ventry, and her dear brother, John Suitor.

She is survived by her loving children, Michael R. (Teresa) Ventry, Peter J. Ventry, and Theresa L. Ventry; her cherished grandchildren, Jacqualyn (James) Anderson, Elizabeth (Dan) Nielsen, Benjamin (Abby) Ventry, and Carley F. Ventry; and her adored great-grandchildren, Lily, Lena, and Lainey Anderson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Alfreda Suitor, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 3–7 PM at HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 401 Ridge Street, Lewiston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at St. Peter R.C. Parish – St. Bernard Site, 218 Hinman Street, Youngstown at 10:30 AM. Family and friends are asked to please assemble at the church. Interment will follow in Oakland Rural Cemetery, Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Maureen’s honor to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Company

Please share condolences at HARDISONFUNERALHOMES.com.