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SERAFINA LOSCHIAVO
Date of Passing: Feb 03, 2022
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SERAFINA LOSCHIAVO
The family of Sera Loschiavo are profoundly saddened by the untimely and sudden loss of their beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother on February 3, 2022 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico at the age of 84.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Frank, great-granddaughter Aubrey; parents, Roberto and Concetta Cantafio; in-laws, Saverio and Teresa; brothers-in-law, Richard Scerbo and Emilio Abuisi.
She leaves to mourn her passing her nine children, Sam (Sheryl), Teresa (Nigel), Bob (Dalyce), Vesuvia (Brett), Franca (Jamie), Al (Michele), Joe (Belinda), Meriana (Eric), Sandro (Jacquie) and her sisters, Pasqualina (Vance) Clarke, Aurora Scerbo; brother Joseph (Danielle) Cantafio; sisters-in-law, Serafina Abuisi and Fedora (Gino) Ruga.
Grandma leaves to mourn her 22 wonderful grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, with number 23 and number 24 great-grandchild due this year, many nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends in Italy, Canada, USA and Mexico.
Sera was born in Amato, Catanzaro, Italy and immigrated to Canada in 1949 at the age of 12, where she continued with her education. Our father arrived in July of 1954 and they were married later that year in October. Mom's first jobs were working for Perth's and the Garwood Grill. They moved to the iconic building at the corner of Langside and Sara in 1960, where they operated the Langside Grocery Store. It has since been turned into a fabulous restaurant. When Mom and Dad embarked on opening Roma Auto Body, Mom enrolled in night school and took bookkeeping. She did all the books for Roma, including Autopac claims, while at the same time raising her children and operating the store. Mom was a pioneer in being one of the first to import Italian meats and cheeses from Italy. Mom had a lot of business savvy and turned Roma into a successful business, to provide for their ever-growing family. Years later, she was instrumental and had a vision when Alfonso's Fine Foods was established, bringing the first u-bake pasta products into Manitoba. Along with taking over the Pizzanne's Franchise and Pasquale's restaurant, Mom was not afraid to take risks and challenges to help better the lives of her children. "No" or "you're not able to accomplish something" were not phrases our mother understood. She was very resourceful and not afraid to take on challenges.
Just to add to the chaos and not to rest on her laurels for too long, in 1977 mom and dad purchased the 10-acre orchard in Kelowna and their new adventure of FranSera Fruit Stand was born. They spent several years transforming a basic farm into a thriving orchard and fruit stand, which consisted of a large variety of different Okanagan fruits, nut trees and three trout ponds. Along with the fruit stand, they also sold fresh vegetables, fresh home-made pies, jams, and apple cider all from mom's recipes. Mom and Dad were once again pioneers by bringing fresh fruit stands along Manitoba highways. Their children fondly remember the many trips during harvesting season driving back and forth from Kelowna to St. Andrews to truck fruit to Manitoba. The family spent many wonderful years together in their orchard in Kelowna, BC.
Mom and Dad's second paradise in Rincon de Guayabitos was their winter home, where family and friends frequented over the last 14 years. They adored the Mexican people and their culture. They met many lifelong friends there and she cherished her time together with them.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk. The service will be livestreamed via www.gilbartfuneralhome.com for those unable to attend and for you to share in this true Celebration of Life and love. Interment to be held at a later date.
Flowers gratefully declined, if friends and family so desire, please take time to help someone less fortunate than you.
Mom, you were loved by all of us, and
we will forever keep you in our hearts.
Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Feb 26, 2022
SERAFINA LOSCHIAVO
The family of Serafina Loschiavo are profoundly saddened by the untimely and sudden loss of their beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on February 3, 2022, at her winter home in Rincon de Guayabitos, Mexico at the age of 85.
Longer obituary to follow.
Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Feb 8, 2022
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2022, Feb 26, 2022
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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So sorry to hear of Sera's passing. We enjoyed many hours visiting in Mexico. Your parents were both so much fun and I'm going to miss them a lot. Your Mom was an amazing cook and I was lucky enough to enjoy some of her wonderful dishes. She will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Gloria Evans (Friend) on: Mar 11, 2022
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To Bob Dalyce and Families .We were saddened to hear of your mom's passing Your parents were such a fun loving, amazing couple with such a zest for life. They always had a can do attitude. They were such an inspiration to their family. Sarah was truly a remarkable woman who accomplished many different endeavors of her life. Her recipes will be forever enjoyed and cherished by many. The fruit stands in St Andrew's were truly the best fruit anywhere around the City. The Loschiavos always gave a wave to the Henry's when they passed by their house on McClellan road in St Andrews . Sarah will be forever in our hearts. Love the Henrys. - Posted by: Harry and Sue Henry (Family friend) on: Mar 04, 2022
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Sending condolences to the Loschiavo family. May happy memories help with the grief you are experiencing and give you the courage to continue to smile. Love Verna Kakowchyk and family - Posted by: Verna Kakowchyk (family friend) on: Mar 03, 2022
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Sending condolences to you Mariana and family. During your growing up years, my daughter Bonnie and you became friends. We’re thinking you & your family at this time in the loss of your Mom. - Posted by: Pat Croy (Friend) on: Mar 02, 2022
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you for the loss of your mother. - Posted by: Frank and Darlene Olczyk (Friend) on: Mar 01, 2022
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My deepest condolences on the passing of Serafina. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Loschiavo family. - Posted by: Maria Cianflone (Friend) on: Mar 01, 2022
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To: Sandro (Jacquie) and Joe (Belinda) and the entire Loschiavo families; So very sorry to learn about the loss of your Mother & the matriarch of your family. This is being sent with sincere heartfelt sympathy and love during this most difficult time. May you all once again find peace within the precious memories you all must have (of your Mother) and will share during the difficult times in the days; weeks and months ahead. Sincere Condolences and with love, Margaret and Gerry Benoit - Posted by: Margaret & Gerry Benoit (Friends of Sandro & Joe) on: Mar 01, 2022
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We’re so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. Our love and prayers to the family. - Posted by: Saverio and Giovanna (Grande) Buoncore (Friends ) on: Feb 27, 2022
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Our deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Josie and Tony Scarpino (friend of family) on: Feb 26, 2022
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To the family, We extend our deepest and sincerest condolences and praying for strength and comfort. We are saddened to lose such a beautiful friend and we truly miss her and think of her often. Our hearts are with you. - Posted by: Dominic & Teresa Caligiuri (Friends) on: Feb 26, 2022
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To the Loschiavo family so sorry to hear of your mom Sara passing away. She was an exceptional lady and very proud of her nine children. Love Rina Buccini - Posted by: Rina Buccini (friend) on: Feb 26, 2022
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We send heartfelt condolences to the Loschiavo family on the passing of your beloved Serafina. What an exceptional woman! She will be long remembered as the loving, hardworking woman that she was. God bless. - Posted by: Caterina and George Sotiriadis (Friends) on: Feb 26, 2022
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To Sandra, Joe and all your families I offer my heart felt condolences. Your parents were a blessing to know. Your mother’s love of life was always heart felt. Thanks for sharing them. - Posted by: Bernadette Normandeau (Friend ) on: Feb 26, 2022
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Sincere condolences to the entire Loschiavo family. I had the pleasure of getting to know Sera and Frank on a professional and personal basis. They were an exceptional couple in many ways whose industriousness and generosity touched many people. My wife and I will never forget the day we spent with them at their beautiful orchard in Kelowna feasting on amazing home made Italian food and delicious wines. Sera has now joined her loving husband and they smiling down upon us. - Posted by: Vincent Bueti (Friend ) on: Feb 24, 2022
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My Godmother, Sarah, was a special someone as I grew up, a life-long mentor, teacher, and caregiver . The memories are pleasant ones and I will shed a tear of happiness when I think of her and remember her wise and loving advice. Sara will be in my heart and my memories will live forever. I am so happy to have known such a remarkable woman! - Posted by: Sarah Loschiavo (GodMother) on: Feb 22, 2022
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With my sincere sympathy....such great memories of Sara in our neighborhood grocery store will never be forgotten - Posted by: Leona Manicone-Kirkby (Friend of the family) on: Feb 09, 2022
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