Rose Marie Venere, a retired secretary who was active in the local, state and national organizations of the Order of the Sons of Italy, died Saturday at Good Samaritan Hospital after a heart attack. She was 61 and lived in Randallstown.

A Mass of Christian burial for Miss Venere was being offered today at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 9533 Liberty Road in Randallstown.

She retired about five years ago as an executive secretary in the offices of Fair Lanes Inc., where she worked about 10 years. Earlier, she was employed by the Rouse Co. for more than 15 years. She began her career in a law office.

She was a delegate to the 1989 national convention of the Order of the Sons of Italy. She was on the national organization's committee preparing for the celebration of this year's anniversary of Christopher Columbus' voyage.

She is survived by a brother, Joseph N. Venere of Port Charlotte, Fla.; five nieces; and three nephews.

The family suggested memorial contributions to the Lupus Foundation.