Mary Jane Ventittelli Shuey

Mary Jane Ventittelli Shuey, age 88, passed away on December 6, 2022 in Tallahassee, Florida. She was born on April 19, 1934 to parents Alexander Dominick and Mary Facione Ventittelli in Detroit, Michigan. Mary Jane graduated from St. James High School in 1953 and began training for a career in nursing while she worked managing a fine linens boutique. After choosing to pursue a degree in child psychology by attending night school, she accepted a full-time position as the assistant to the dean of the University of Detroit College of Architecture, where she met a student who would become the love of her life, Donald Wayne Shuey. They married in 1965 and moved to Bradenton, Florida, where Don began his career as a professional architect and Mary Jane became a mother to their first daughter, Michelle Maria. Within a few years, they relocated to Miami, Florida, where Don established his own successful architectural firm and they welcomed the addition of twin daughters, Noelle Ann and Nicole Beth. Mary Jane was involved in their daughters’ school as a teacher’s aide, served as a troop leader for the Brownies, and was an active volunteer and member at the affiliated parish, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. While taking pleasure and pride in supporting her husband and raising her family, Mary Jane also found time to pursue her varied interests by joining the local garden club and writers group, as well as taking classes in drawing, quilting, crocheting, languages, religious studies, and numerous other subjects. She enjoyed both exploring and sharing her rich Italian heritage with family and friends. Mary Jane and her family later became parishioners at St. Richard Catholic Church, where she participated in the women’s club and choir, while frequently volunteering to assist the clergy and administrative staff with religious services, events, and activities. She also maintained employment at her husband’s firm and later on in retail sales and banking. Over the years, Mary Jane traveled with her family to destinations throughout North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean, visiting relatives, sightseeing, and collecting unique souvenirs, including handmade arts and crafts she admired and, as an avid reader, history books and local cookbooks, with which she loved to experiment in the kitchen. In 2001, Don and Mary Jane moved their business and residence to Tallahassee, where they eventually settled into retirement together, pursuing hobbies, welcoming visits from their family and friends, and enjoying the fellowship and support of their parish, Good Shepherd Catholic Church. The joys of their later lives were their adored grandchildren on whom they doted, Travis Lee, Emma Maria, Sofia Elizabeth, and Isabella Raquel, who knew Mary Jane affectionately as “Grandma Kitty.” She was truly devoted to her family and cherished her strong faith. Always ready to encourage and help those around her, Mary Jane was beloved for her wit, wisdom, positivity, kindness, and generosity. She will forever be remembered for her compassionate and gentle soul. Mary Jane is survived by her daughters, Michelle Arutt (Jordan Arutt), Noelle Altamirano (Robert Altamirano) and Nicole Shuey (Mike Wiener); grandchildren, Travis Arutt, Emma Arutt, Sofia Altamirano and Isabella Altamirano; as well as a host of extended family members. She is now reunited with her parents, her brothers Alexander Rocco Ventittelli and Anthony Michael Ventittelli, and her loving husband, Don Shuey, who preceded her in passing. A memorial mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church of Tallahassee on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10:30 p.m. with a reception to immediately follow. Mary Jane will be interred with her husband at Tallahassee National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. following the reception. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com)

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Mary Jane Ventittelli Shuey

April 19, 1934 - December 6, 2022