Merrily Smith Venturella of Ponchatoula, LA, passed away Wednesday evening, January 27, 2021 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital at the age of 76. She was born on January 9, 1945 in New Orleans, LA, to Edgar J. Smith and Beatrice Ferraez Smith. She is survived by her beloved husband John M. Venturella Jr., her children Donna Venturella Maykut (Kent), Dawn Venturella Gale, Denise Venturella McKenzie (Scott) Dara Venturella Hobbie (Joel), and 9 grandchildren Mason and Hollie Maykut, Alexandra and Nathan Gale, Blair and Julia McKenzie, Amelia Glaser, and Jacob and Collin Hobbie. She is also survived by her loving sisters Betty McLoughlin, Susan Lubrano (Raymond), and her many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents Edgar and Beatrice Smith, and her brother Edgar J. Smith, Jr. Merrily graduated from Annunciation High School in 1962, she married the love of her life John Venturella, September 3, 1965. Together they would raise their family in St. Bernard Parish, until relocating to Ponchatoula, LA. She became a devoted member to St. Anslem Catholic Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Merrily was kind, outgoing and had many friends. She was the life of the party and she lived her life being true to herself, her family and her faith. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her. Due to COVID-19, a private mass was held for Merrily at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home. Interment will be held privately at later time. The Venturella family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.