Gabriela Venturini, lovingly known as "Abuelita Pepa" and "Nonna", passed away on July 23rd, 2025, in the comfort, care and thoughts of her family and friends. She was born in Vina del Mar, Chile on February 3rd, 1935, on a warm day with a late summer breeze coming off the ocean. She met the love of her life, Renato Venturini, on a train ride and the rest was history. They wed on January 17th, 1956, and the two started their inspiring journey towards planting new roots in the United States in 1969, arriving in the US in April 1971.

Gabriela loved her family deeply and would beam with pride when speaking about them. She survived the death of her beloved husband in January of 2001, and afterwards, to ensure that she had quality time with loved ones, she lived her life in both Chile and the United States each year. Gabriela lived a life full of adventure, warmth and laughter.

Gabriela was a great conversationalist, and she never met a stranger. In fact, many of her life-long friends were people she met during her routine outings – a testament to her spontaneous and welcoming nature! She cherished time with loved ones playing the Chilean version of Canasta (with her competitive flair), board games, puzzles and taking "Tecito" - an excuse for pastries and hot tea while visiting with others. She was curious and ever learning, continually expanding her knowledge and trying new activities. She was vibrant, believed in presenting herself well and was the life of the party-especially if it included a trip to the casino!

She is survived by her sweet sisters Hilda Gloria Grez and Maria Eugenia Grez, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her children and their spouses, who also lovingly called her Mom: Renato Venturini and Marcela White, Marcello and Sandy Venturini, Gabriela and Macey Contreras, Claudia and David Mills, Paola Venturini Grez and Arturo Aracena, and Michelle and Dennis Gafford; her grandchildren: Claudia Rae, Aaron, Lauren, Franco, Brandon, Cristobal, Isabel, Sophia, Ronie Rae, and Victoria; and her great grandchildren: Henry, Isabella, Eleanor, Emerson, Jackson, George, Tristan, and Lorenzo. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the apples of her eye. With six children, 10 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren, her legacy lives on.

A memorial gathering will be held from 10:30am to 12:30pm, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Sagemont Church Chapel, 11300 S. Sam Houston Pkwy E., Houston, TX 77089.