Taverna, Serafino and Sebastiana (Cozzubbo)
Updated: Oct 6
Serafino Taverna was born on 23 July 1887 in Colosimi, Cosenza, Italy. He left Italy in 1906 and arrived at Ellis Island on 21 June 1906. From there, he sailed to Port Arthur, Ontario (now Thunder Bay) to meet up with his brother, eventually travelling to Calgary where he worked at the street car barns for the City. He obtained his Certificate of Naturalization on May 20, 1908.
Sebastiana Jennetta Cozzubbo (Jenny) was born November 14 1898 in Caggi, Messina, Italy. Travelling from Messina with her sisters and mother, they arrived at Ellis Island on September 10 1909. They lived in New York City for 2 years, staying with Cozzubbo relatives before traveling to Calgary to be with her father and brothers. The reunited family settled in the community of Sunnyside .
Jenny and Serafino were married on July 27, 1913, at St. Joseph's Church. They began their married life at 913 Fourth Avenue NW, in Sunnyside. Their house still stands today. They were active parishioners of St. John’s Church. Throughout those years, their home was the centre of a close-knit family life built on hard work, faith, and strong community ties.
Serafino devoted 50 years of service to the City of Calgary. Beginning as a labourer, he advanced through dedication and skill to become Head Mechanic for the city's streetcar system before retiring in 1958. Together, Jenny and Serafino raised five children: Frances, Tommy, Sam (Ron), Rose, and Elaine, instilling in them the values of family, service, and perseverance that would guide future generations.Serafino was an active member of the Giovanni Caboto Loggia, an organization that would later evolve into The Italo-Canadian Club. Through his involvement, the family became deeply connected to Calgary’s Italian community, regularly attending Italian picnics, celebrations, and social gatherings for many years. They can be seen among the families featured in the 1928 photograph of the Giovanni Caboto Lodge picnic. Strong family ties were at the heart of their lives, and they embraced the traditions, friendships, and community spirit that helped shape the early Italian-Canadian experience. These values of family, loyalty, and service were passed on to the next generation, including sons Tommy and Sam, who proudly served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War.
Jenny was an active member of the Fiori d’Italia Ladies Society, later known as the Adelaide Cairoli Association where she served as Treasurer for a number of years. The women met regularly, taking turns hosting gatherings in their homes and offering friendship, card playing, support, and assistance to one another when needed. These meetings played an important role in strengthening community ties, supporting families, and preserving Italian cultural traditions.
Beyond her community involvement, Jenny became a much sought-after guest at afternoon teas, renowned for her quick wit and remarkable ability to read the tea leaves left at the bottom of a teacup. Her tea leaf readings became legendary among family and friends, bringing laughter, lively conversation, and more than a little gossip to countless gatherings over the decades. Her warmth, humour, and gift for storytelling made her a cherished presence and her home remained a gathering place where family and friends were always welcomed.
With Serafino’s passing on May 5, 1950, Jenny went to live with her daughter Rose until her passing on October 17, 1985.
The family grew as grandchildren began to arrive. Frances married Harold Rishagan and moved to Trail, BC and had 2 children. Tommy moved to Trail, BC after the war and married Margaret. Sam(Ron) married Lydia Carloni, they had 3 children. Rose married Bert Coates, they had 3 children. Elaine married Gerry Gale, they had 3 children.
Written by: Theresa Taverna
Source: Family recollections and photographs
Editorial Review: Reviewed and formatted by the Calgary Italian History Project for web publication