Taverna, Serafino and Sebastiana
- May 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 11
From Italy to Calgary, the Taverna family built a life rooted in hard work, community, and tradition.
Serafino Taverna was born on July 23, 1887 in Colosimi, Cosenza, Italy. He left Italy in 1906 and arrived at Ellis Island on June 21, 1906. From there, he travelled to Port Arthur, Ontario (now Thunder Bay) to meet his brother, eventually making his way to Calgary where he worked at the street car barn for the City. He obtained his Certificate of Naturalization on May 20, 1908.
Sebastiana Jennetta Cozzubbo (Jenny) was born on November 14, 1898 in Caggi, Messina. Travelling from Messina with her sisters and mother, they arrived at Ellis Island on September 10, 1909. They lived in New York City for two years with Cozzubbo relatives before travelling to Calgary to reunite with her father and brothers. The reunited family settled in Hillhurst.
Jenny and Serafino were married on July 27, 1913 at St. Joseph’s Church. They settled into married life at 913 4 Ave NW, a house that still stands today, where they lived until Serafino’s death on May 5, 1960.
Serafino dedicated 50 years of service to the City of Calgary, starting as a labourer and eventually becoming head mechanic for the street cars before retiring in 1958.
They had five children: Frances, Tommy, Sam (Ron), Rose, and Elaine.
Serafino was an active member of Loggia Giovanni Caboto and later The Italo-Canadian Club. The family became deeply involved in the Italian community, attending Italian picnics and social functions for many years. Jenny was an active member of the ladies society, where members took turns hosting meetings in their homes and supporting one another when needed.
Jenny became well known for her wit and her ability to read tea leaves left at the bottom of teacups. Her tea leaf readings became famous among family and friends for bringing laughter, gossip, and entertainment over several decades. Jenny passed away on October 17, 1985.
Tommy and Sam joined the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II.
Frances married Harold Rishagan and moved to Trail, British Columbia, where they had two children.
Tommy moved to Trail, British Columbia after the war and married Margaret.
Sam (Ron) married Lydia Carloni and they had three children.
Rose married Bert Coates and they had three children.
Elaine married Gerry Gale and they had three children.