Maria Patricia Vennel

As a young child, Maria came to Ocean City, NJ where she loved playing outside with her neighborhood friends and visiting her grandmother. Later in life, she moved to Richmond, VA where she was surrounded by dear friends who became her family. Maria came to know and love Jesus and was baptized in the James River on August 20, 2016.  Maria was a great witness to God and gives God glory for the positive changes in her life.

Although she faced a lifetime of obstacles, Maria had incredible strength and was a light to those around her with an unwavering faith and courage. As a faithful follower of Jesus, she loved her neighbors and friends well. She always enjoyed being outdoors, near water and around animals, especially dogs. She never met a dog she didn’t love! She was very thoughtful and loved to crochet gifts for her friends, read the Bible and listen to worship music, especially the Newsboys.  With an on-point wit, Maria was outgoing and authentic. She cared deeply for her dear friends – especially her ‘sisters’ and ‘brothers’ in Christ and will be missed greatly.

Maria was the impetus of Mardi Bras VA, an initiative of Into The Neighborhood. Mardi Bras VA connects people around the cause of providing women in need with bras, underwear, pads and tampons, communicating that need and collecting the products.

In the words of the Newsboys…

I wanna live with abandon
Give You all that I am
Every part of my heart, Jesus
I place in Your hands

Live With Abandon, by the Newsboys – Maria’s favorite song.

Thanks for modeling what it looks like to give every part of your heart to Jesus.

A memorial service will be held at one of her favorite places, by the lake at the home of one of her ‘sisters’, 9366 Count Kristopher Dr, Mechanicsville VA 23116.  Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 4pm.  In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to St Judes.