Obituary of Maria Serpico

February 24, 1935 – Marigliano, Naples, Italy

May 7, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Maria Serpico (née LaMontagna), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the age of 88 years, surrounded by her loving family.

Maria was born in Marigliano, Naples, Italy where she grew up with her four sisters and four brothers, working on her family’s farm. She immigrated to Canada in 1956 to join Reziero, the love of her life. They were married on November 3, 1956, in Cochrane, Alberta. They moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1957, where they had three children, Gennaro, Mary and Angelo, and built a full and beautiful life together.  

Among other jobs, Maria spent almost 20 years working at Mrs. Willman's Bakery. She could make everything in the store, including butterhorns, strudels, sweet rolls, and turnovers. Maria was a wonderful cook and was always preparing delicious meals for her family. Her pasta and her Christmas Eve dinners were particularly memorable.

Maria was an avid card player and enjoyed countless evenings playing Scala Quaranta with her husband and many other family members, who would often stop by for a visit. Maria enjoyed watching her favourite TV shows, "The Young and the Restless" and "The Price is Right," as well as daily Mass. She was a devoted Catholic and regularly attended Mass and prayed the rosary daily.

She was incredibly proud of her seven grandchildren and her five great-grandchildren and would look forward to their visits. Her eyes would light up at the sight of them.

Maria will be remembered most for her welcoming smile and devoted and generous nature. We will never forget her, or the love and care she gave to each of us.

Thank you to Dr. Savoia and Barb, as well as Maria’s many caregivers for their support over the years.

Maria is survived by her children, Gennaro, Mary (Carlo), and Angelo (Lonie); seven grandchildren, Genna (Matthew), Felicia (Daniel), Olivia (Michael), Brittany (Ryan), Maria (Brandon), Lucas (Mariah), Reziero (Brenna); and five great-grandsons, Enzo and Roman Zuniga, Mateo Tremblett, Nico and Luca Klasky.

Maria is also survived by her two brothers, Salvatore (Saverina), of Naples, Italy, and Gaetano (Sabina), of Calgary, AB; two sisters, Suor Angelina and Suor Teodora of Naples, Italy; sisters-in-law Giuseppina of Calgary, AB, and Inge, of Toronto, ON; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Maria was predeceased by her loving husband Reziero Serpico in 2014, after 58 wonderful years of marriage; as well as her parents Filomena Esposito and Reziero LaMontagna; brothers Pasquale and Antonio; and sisters Lucia and Suor Lidia.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish (1714 14 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 1G3), on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum (3219 4 St NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3A6). Reception to follow at the Calgary Italian Club (416 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 0B4). Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.MHFH.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Diabetes Canada at www.diabetes.ca or to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, www.alzheimercalgary.com.

In living memory of Maria Serpico, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

Click Here to View Maria Serpico's Memorial Card