Ferraro

Michele Ferraro was born in May 1901 in Rende, Cosenza, and began a new chapter when he immigrated to Canada in 1958. He married his beloved wife, Maria Verre, in 1929. Together, they built a loving family, raising ten children: Eugenio (1929), Ida (1931), Adamo (1932), Luigi (1935), Esterina (1936), Mario (1938), Erminia (1940), Emilio (1942), Carmela (1944), and Otello (1947).

Michele’s journey to Canada was made alongside his daughter Erminia, reuniting with several of his children—Ida, Esterina, Eugenio, Adamo, Luigi, and Mario—who had immigrated in previous years. Maria followed the next year, bringing with her Emilio, Carmela, and Otello.

Once in Canada, Michele worked tirelessly in various jobs, ultimately finding a home at the Skyline Hotel in 1961. He loved his job and never complained about the one-and-a-half-hour commute to work and home each day. He started in the kitchen and later transitioned to the maintenance department, retiring at the age of 70. Before this, he worked in factories making mattresses and bed frames and became an active member of St. Clare Church’s Seniors group after retiring.

Life in Italy was challenging, with Michele and Maria labouring on their farm, cultivating figs, olives, and tomatoes. In Canada, Maria dedicated herself to nurturing their family, creating a warm and inviting home that welcomed friends and relatives alike. They took immense pride in their 33 grandchildren, making holidays a joyful celebration for the entire Ferraro family.

Michele and Maria’s legacy lives on in the love and unity they instilled within their family.