It is with profound gratitude that we celebrate our time with Venera Carmela Di Bella Barles. Affectionately known as Vin or Vinny, she was warm, funny, and loyal—and impeccably well-dressed. On December 21st, 2023, she passed away suddenly. Though challenged with adversity during her long life, she lived it to the fullest. She was immersed in her community and fiercely committed to her friends and family. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those she touched with her humor, warmth, and wisdom. Venera was born on April 30th, 1932, in Albany, New York, into an Italian immigrant community where she grew into an incredible beauty. After moving with her family to California, she captured the heart of Mr. Edward Barles, and together they embarked on almost seventy-five-years of marriage that bridged cultural divides, uniting a Catholic Italian girl and a Russian Jewish boy from New York City in an enduring love. Venera was preceded in passing by her son David and daughter Carisa. She is survived by her husband Eddie; her daughter, Gina; her brother, Nicholas; her grandchildren Alexia, Julian, and Isabella; and her great-grandson Talon. Venera was a multi-faceted talent: an amateur comedian and musician, a gifted chef and host, as well as an interior designer and gardener. Her storytelling and confidante skills endeared her to many. She loved beautiful things and was a prolific collector, and her homes were meticulously decorated and curated. She had style. She was a writer and published two books, including a humorous and heartfelt memoir, “Marriage, Kidneys and Other Dark Organs” and a novel “They Was Holdin’ Hands.” At the Madison House and the Bainbridge Island Senior Center, she was a beloved fixture. She led a memoir writing class, hosted several discussion and support groups, and participated in countless other activities. She was never at a loss for a kind greeting or a friendly tease, and she was never afraid to seek advice or be a source of wisdom to her many friends and acquaintances. One of the most striking things about Venera was her enthusiasm for making and nurturing friendships. Venera moved the hearts of people around her as easily as the wind moves the air. She made friends and connections high and low, wherever she went, from cashiers and receptionists to PhDs. When meeting someone new, she might say “How come I haven’t met you before? I want to hear about your life. Let’s talk.” Our dear girl Vin best summed up her approach to life and its challenges and opportunities with the quote from author Jeanne Stein that she often used to close her emails: “Ciao e Pace, Venera. ‘Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance.’” A Celebration of Life remembrance for Venera will be held at the Bainbridge Island Senior Center at Waterfront Park, 370 Brien Drive SE, Bainbridge Island, on Sunday, April 28, from 2:30 – 4:30 PM. Please join us to share stories and celebrate the remarkable life of a truly special woman. We invite all who knew her to wear a favorite hat—funny or formal—as a nod to Venera’s love for them. (She collected dozens!) You may also share memories of Venera on her Tribute Wall on the Cook Family Funeral Home webpage at https://www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries