Joy Venturini Bianchi
September 30, 1938 - January 11, 2022
Joy Venturini Bianchi passed away peacefully at her home in San Francisco on January 11, 2022 at the age of 83 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Joy was born on September 30th, 1938 in San Francisco and was raised in the Marina District by her Italian-American parents, Josephine and Mansueto Joseph Venturini. She received her education at St. Vincent de Paul, Convent of the Sacred Heart, and San Francisco College for Women, earning a degree in humanities. In the early 1960's, Joy spearheaded an effort with the parent group Helpers of the Holy Innocents to open residential homes for the developmentally disabled, revolutionizing their care by providing alternatives to the inhumane institutionalization that was common at the time. Joy then dedicated the next 55 years of her life to Helpers Homes, a nonprofit for those with developmental disabilities, advocating for their rights to lead lives of dignity and respect.
Joy was a true force of nature known for her tenacity, vivacious spirit, and enthusiasm for life – both the mundane and the marvelous were something to celebrate, and she felt that every person deserved to experience life joyously. She loved fiercely and cared deeply, finding connections with people from all walks of life. She was widely known for her passion for fashion and great sense of style, which became an integral part of her larger-than-life personality and her ability to reach people in meaningful ways. As a close friend put it, "Any time spent with Joy Venturini Bianchi will leave you feeling a little more in love with fashion, a little more positive about our world, and a little happier to be alive."
Each morning she would awaken asking God what great things He had in store for her that day, and on her final day, she awoke to God's embrace. Joy is survived by her daughters Annalisa and Gioia Mia, and her grandchildren Josephine and John.
A private service was held at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in San Francisco attended by family and friends in celebration of her life. Remembrance donations may be made to Helpers Community Inc., 2626 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94118 or at www.helperssf.org/donate.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Joy Bianchi

Sponsored by Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara The Evergreen Mortuary.

11 Entries

Scott Peterson

January 25, 2025

Joy was a dear friend who I will miss very much. I send prayers for her and her family.

Scott Peterson

January 24, 2025

Joy was an amazing person and a wonderful friend. Unfortunately she was often misunderstood but had a good heart and faith. I'll miss her.

Anthony

March 30, 2023

The wife and I in San Francisco at Ghirardelli Square and we start having a deep discussion with this great ole gal in a gift store..... all about the light that we see in each other, energy and good Karma etc. I said there is something about her that just says wisdom and if I could I would sit down and talk to her like I would my grandmother and just listen to all of the life lessons. She asked if we didn't mind staying and little longer I told yes and we love people and have no problem with that at all. We talked about the fact my wife was a therapist and the work she does and my daughter was finishing two degree's this year and one was in fashion the other in business administration yada yada.....she got excited about that and she invited us to a fashion museum...... hers !! I think she loved the fact that we did not know who she was and weren't trying to take pictures or get an autograph. Little did we know we were talking to the super San Francisco philanthropist ........ Joy Venturini Bianchi.

Rest heaven Joy we all love you.

elle

February 14, 2023

This is the day we met, dearest Joy. I will cherish our friendship and sisterhood forever.

Cheryl Serame-Turk

November 7, 2022

Joy was a definite force of nature. When I was a student at SFSU I worked as a special projects coordinator in the Helpers Home workshop with the residents. It was an amazing experience I will never forget.
Funny story, when the donated shoes would come in from Wilkes, it was like Christmas. Joy taught me about the joys of gold snakeskin pancaldis and pink buckskin pumps. I was hooked. So Joy...whenever I see a pair of shoes that just call out to me...I will always think of your passionate trips to NY in your comfy shoes in search of fantastic new shoes to grace your shoe rack. Love you and miss you. You have left such a deep impression on us all..
Cheryl Serame-Turk

Judith Garvey

February 27, 2022

You will be resting in peace as so many saints surrounded you as you entered heaven. I remember how hard you worked at the Helpers Home and put up with all of the volunteers from SI and Convent. Thanks for being such a great example of compassion. Your wonderful work lives on in the new boutique.

Rose J Sweeney

February 27, 2022

I will miss you, my dear friend. Your laughter was like sunshine and your enthusiasm was never-ending. Rest in Paradise, beautiful lady.

Kathryn McGarey

February 27, 2022

I was saddened to read of Joy's passing. She was one incredible woman and a definite force of nature! I know the last few years were hard but I know that her faith and trust in God sustained her. My husband and I met Joy through the great sales she conducted on Fulton Street. I am so glad that our paths crossed in this life. May she rest in God's eternal peace and embrace.

Kevin

February 27, 2022

Your beautiful heart, giving spirit, and love for all humanity shone through anything you wore. I will always cherish our times together whether dressed up at special events, walking the halls of the hospital arm in arm, or visiting you at home while you were dressed in your black sweats and furry hat. Our conversations went beyond fashion. They dealt with the human heart, and were deeply spiritual. Our mutual love for God and giving to others brought us close together. You have conquered and overcome much. You smiled until the end, and were were truly "joyful." Thank you for the impact on my life.

Susie Scallan

February 27, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss. Joy was our neighbor since my childhood. May she rest peacefully.

elle

February 27, 2022

Joy touched my life immediately and profoundly, as she did with so many others. To me, this quote by L.M. Montgomery beautifully summarizes her view of life: "I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string." You will be missed, dear friend.

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