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Obituary of Maria Silvestro
June 22, 1945 – San Giovanni Montebello, Sicilia, Italia
May 16, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta
Maria was born in San Giovanni Montebello in the Province of Catania, Sicily, on June 22, 1945. She spent the first 23 years of her life in this small town living with her two sisters, Carmela and Giovanna, one brother, Salvatore, and parents, Angelo and Alfia Garozzo. A family of strong Catholic faith, they lived a few doors down from the San Giovanni Batista church, the local gathering place. It was there that she would marry Giuseppe Silvestro, the son of family friends and neighbours, in 1968.
Maria immigrated to Calgary, Alberta in 1968 to join Giuseppe in starting a new life and family in Canada. They welcomed the birth of their daughter, Virginia, in 1969. Their son, Carmelo, followed in 1976 and finally, their second daughter, Silvana, was born in 1982. Maria was a wonderful mother to her children and loved them very much.
Maria was an accomplished chef and worked for over 20 years in the restaurant industry. She was an excellent cook and was very passionate about her craft. Whether preparing meals for customers at work or for friends and family at home, everyone agreed that her meals were five stars. Everyone particularly enjoyed her specialities, homemade chocolate chip cookies, lasagna, and cheesecake.
Even though Maria immigrated to Canada, she remained very close with her family back in Italy. While she returned to Italy several times to visit with her family, she also remained connected with regular phone calls. Both her family in Canada and in Italy were at the center of her life.
Maria was a beautiful soul who touched all who knew her. She always had a kind word to say and never complained. Even though she battled Parkinson’s Disease for almost 25 years, she did not lament her sufferings but rather she embraced her blessings.
Maria is survived by her husband, Giuseppe, and their children Virginia (Chris) Rappel, Carmelo (Gina) Silvestro, and Silvana (Blair) Campbell. She is fondly remembered by her grandchildren whom she adored, Anthony, Ricardo and Paul Rappel, Joseph and Angelina Silvestro, and Valentino Campbell. She will be lovingly remembered by her sisters, Carmela (Giuseppe), and Giovanna, and their families who still reside in San Giovanni Montebello, Sicily. Maria is predeceased by her parents, Angelo and Alfia Garozzo, and her brother, Salvatore.
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 Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Ascension Catholic Parish (1100 Berkshire Boulevard N.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery (3219 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB). Reception to follow at the Ascension Catholic Parish at 1:30 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Maria’s memory directly to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2V6 Telephone: (403) 243-9901, www.parkinsonassociation.ca .
In living memory of Maria Silvestro, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
