CARABOTT. On March 25, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Yvette née Fleri and Aldo, God's precious gift of a second-born daughter - MICHELA, a welcome sister to Francesca. Deo gratias et Mariae. Sincere thanks to the doctors, midwives and staff for their care and dedication.
CASTILLO. On March 18, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, to Pernilla and Jeremy, God's gift of a daughter - JULIA, a sister to Jamie.
DYNIN. Louanne née Portelli and Stanislav (Steve) heartily thank God for His precious first bundle of joy, a bouncing baby girl - EMILY ROSE, sent to them on March 19. Thanks to Our Lady. Special thanks to the doctors, midwife, nurses and staff at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing. God is love.
FSADNI. On March 24, at St James Capua Hospital, to Mireille née Gatt and Kevin, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter. Special thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Lilian Azzopardi and all the dedicated staff at the maternity department.
GANADO. On March 22, at St James Capua Hospital, to Gaby née Bonello and Jean Paul, God's precious gift of a daughter - REBECCAH, a very welcome sister to Luca. Special thanks to Papa for his constant love, care and attention, the paediatrician, midwives Lilian and Carmen and all the maternity staff at St James Capua Hospital.
KENELY. On March 20, at St James Capua Hospital, to Natalie née Chase and Godfrey, God's precious gift of a son - MATTHEW, a most welcome brother to Nicole. Thanks be to God and Our Lady. Special thanks to all the dedicated staff, our families and friends for their prayers.
LIPP. On March 11, at Danbury Hospital, Connecticut, USA, to Elaine née Boffa and Ludwig, God's precious gift of a first-born son - RAPHAEL JOHANNES. Thanks be to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Special thanks to midwife Catherine Parisi.
MAGRI. On March 21, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Josette née Mallia and Francis, God's precious gift of a son - SAMUEL ZANE, a brother to Zachary Adin. Deo gratias et Mariae.
MUSCAT. On March 23, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Lisa née Scicluna and Konrad-John, God's precious gift of a son - MATTHEW-JOHN, a welcome brother to Rebecca. Deo gratias et Mariae.
WADGE. On March 24, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Alison née Buttigieg and Roland, God's gift to us - MATTHEA. Special thanks to midwife Nathalie.
XUEREB. On March 3, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Lara née Borg and Kenneth, God's precious gift of a son - ANDREW, a welcome brother to Matthew. Thanks be to God. Special thanks to the staff at the maternity wing.
ZAMMIT. On March 22, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Charlotte née Vella and Nikki, God's precious gift of a first-born son - TIMOTHY. Thank You, Lord. Special thanks to family, friends and maternity staff for their support, care and prayers.
Obituary
BALDACCHINO. On March 29, at Casa Leone, St Julian's, Grace, née Baldacchino, aged 75, of Birzebbuga, widow of Emmanuel, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her beloved daughter Maria Grima Baldacchino, her daughter-in-law Tanya, her beloved grandchildren Edward, Vanessa, Gordon, Petra, Luana, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves Casa Leone today at 2.30 p.m. for Santa Maria Addolorata chapel where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 3 p.m., followed by interment in the family grave at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi, will be appreciated.
BONELLO. On March 29, at St Luke's Hospital, Carmelo (ex-Malta Drydocks), of Dingli, aged 92, widower of Serafina née Ebejer, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his only son Tony and his wife Connie, his grandchildren David and his wife Enid, and John and his wife Karen, his great- grandchildren Abby and Chloe, his brother Joseph and his wife Salvina, his cousin Katarin, nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital today at 2.30 p.m. for Dingli parish church, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 3 p.m., followed by interment in the family grave at Dingli Cemetery. Lord, grant him eternal rest.
CANN. On March 28, at his daughter's residence, JOHN (ex-Air Malta employee), aged 80, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of the Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Mary, his children Elisabeth and her husband Joseph Micallef, Philip and his wife Joan, Joanna and her husband Martin Camilleri, and Nicholas, his grandchildren, nephews and nieces, brothers and sisters, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital today at 8.15 a.m. for Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery chapel, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 9 a.m., followed by interment.
DARMANIN. On March 29, at St Luke's Hospital, Chev. LAWRENCE, aged 79, of Vittoriosa, residing at Zabbar, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his beloved wife Josephine née Bezzina, his children Dorothy, Francis and his wife Bernadette, Isabelle, widow of Antonio Godano, Mary Rose and her husband Dr Michael Vella Haber, his grandchildren Fabio, Gloria, Alan Tonio, Sandra, Rachel, Tiffany, Robert, Ramon, Sarah, Miguel and Amy, his brothers, sisters, in-laws, relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 2 p.m. for Our Lady of Graces Sanctuary, Zabbar, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30 p.m, followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. The family regret they are unable to receive visitors. No flowers by request but donations to the Zabbar institutes will be appreciated.
PACE. On March 28, at St Luke's Hospital, JOSEPHINE, née Tabone Adami, aged 84, of St Julian's, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. Deeply missed by her daughter Helga and her husband Anthony Mayo, her sister Terry and her husband Joe Pantalleresco, her grandchildren Lawrence, Jomarie and Michael, her nephew Notary Paul Tabone Adami, other relatives and friends.
Mass praesente cadavere will be said tomorrow at 8.15 a.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
In Memoriam
ABELA. In ever loving memory of our father, Lieutenant-Colonel JOSEPH VINCENT ABELA, OBE, who died 28 years ago tomorrow. Margaret and Albert.
AQUILINA. Treasured memories of our father TANCRED (Teddy), today the fourth anniversary of his death. Isabel and Richard.
CARDONA. In loving memory of ANTHONY who departed this life 10 years ago on April 1. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His wife Cettina and children Victor, Mary Ann and Margaret, their respective spouses and grandchildren.
FIORENTINO - JOHN. In ever loving memory, March 26 being the 19th anniversary of his death. Remembered by his wife Mary, his children Joe, Lina, Diana and Liz, in-laws and grandchildren.
MALLIA - SHERIENNE, 31.7.71-30.3.92. Sweet and everlasting memories of a dear daughter, today the 11th anniversary of her demise. Mum and Dad.
MALLIA. Tender memories of our beloved SHERIENNE, today the 11th anniversary of her passing away. Miss you dreadfully but will love you forever. Auntie Kate, Uncle Tony, Lorraine and Shamarie.
MONTANARO. Treasured memories of our beloved GERALD on the third anniversary of his demise. His parents, brothers and sisters.
NICOLAS VIRTÙ - SALVINO. On the 10th anniversary of his death. Remembered with love, pride and gratitude. Ena, Godwin, Lorraine and David.
NICOLAS VIRTÙ - SALVINO. Loving and treasured memories of a dear father on the anniversary of his demise. Lord, grant him eternal rest. Marguerite, Victor, Damian, Martin and Andrew.
PRECA - GEORGE. In ever loving memory of a dear husband and father, today the 16th anniversary of his passing away. Lovingly remembered by his wife, son, daughters and in-laws. Lord, grant him eternal rest.
PRECA - GEORGE. In loving memory of our dear brother. George, Doris, Lilian and Tony.
SCICLUNA. In loving memory of MAY, being the 19th anniversary of her death. Remembered by her mother, her father Tonio and Doreen and the boys.
SCICLUNA - MAY. Dearest friend, 19 years have passed and still I ask myself why. Only God knows why. We could never understand, yet it's so painful to part with one I loved so dear, but my trust in God makes me feel we'll meet one day. Yet, you're never forgotten in my thoughts and dreams. Marianne DeLeonardo.
VASSALLO. Everlasting and treasured memories of a beloved mother and grandmother, ANTONIA. Sadly missed but never forgotten by her son Nicholas, his wife Joyce, grandchildren and great-grandchild, and Sister Stefania. Grant her, O Lord, eternal rest.
VELLA - CHARLIE. Treasured memories of a dearly loved husband, father and grandfather, today the first anniversary of his passing away. So sadly missed by his wife Rita, his daughters Ina, Marthese and Ingrid, sons-in-law and grandchildren Nicholas, Steven, Kyle and André. Always in our thoughts and prayers.
VUKOVIC. Cherished memories of our beloved father DRAGO, who passed away 41 years ago today. Until we all meet again. Your family.
ZAMMIT - JOHN. It is three years since your passing to eternal life. We miss you dearly. MarieLouise, Frances and Joe, Patrick and Silvana, Kane, Mark and Michaela. Lord, grant him eternal rest.
ZAMMIT - TONY. Unfading memories on the sixth anniversary of his demise. Fondly remembered by all the family.
Loved ones never go away
For in our hearts they always stay.
A prayer is kindly solicited.
Appreciation - Lewis Cassar
Mr RICHARD A. MATRENZA writes:
On mid-morning of Saturday, March 22, I was trying to relax and overcome physical pain. The telephone rang. The voice at the other end was sad and sombre. It gave me psychologically painful news. Lewis Cassar, a man I had come to know, respect and befriend during my stint in London as High Commissioner, had passed away.
The mental pain had temporarily numbed and eased the physical anguish that had been tormenting me all morning.
I do not think that there are many fellow Maltese, except his family, who know or have known this very unassuming brother countryman who had gone to London to earn his daily bread and worked for many years in comparative obscurity quietly delivering, day in day out, in return for earning his livelihood.
Lewis loved the pleasures of the mind and in particular, cultural links with his homeland. It was down this road that our paths first crossed when I had introduced the concept of promoting Malta among foreign diplomats in London, other dignitaries and a melange of interested Maltese from among those living in London, to cultural evenings at the Chancery.
Lewis took a lively interest as a participant. He was pro-active. I came to value his follow-up remarks, ideas, suggestions. From this beginning a healthy acquaintance took root which grew and blossomed into a strong friendship which bonded even more when Lewis was repeatedly hospitalised.
After leaving my official position and during my subsequent frequent private visits to London I had kept in touch with Lewis, in and out of hospital.
Lewis's failing health and his constant battle with a series of serious health problems did not deprive him of his overwhelming combative will to win the battle despite the frail body that was encasing the dominant positive spirit.
The last time we spoke was some weeks back when he was returning a message I had left him on his answerphone. I did not know at the time when I called of the near tragedy that he had experienced at his Central London flat which made him lose a lot of blood before he was discovered nearly unconscious and rushed to hospital where he began his last struggle which he eventually lost yesterday week.
Lewis Cassar was a man of good cheer. Life did not treat him very kindly healthwise. Yet he never complained. He welcomed them with fortitude. Lewis was a man of good cheer.
Appreciation - Dr Joseph Cremona
Professor Albert Borg and Professor Manwel Mifsud write:
Joe, as he was affectionately known to all of us, was at home in two different worlds: he merged effortlessly with the Mediterranean milieu through his Gozitan family background, and through his early youth and upbringing in Italy.
He was exposed to the British way of life at an early age, due to his family's connections with the diplomatic service. This influence was later reinforced through his own stay and studies in the UK, and through his distinguished academic career in Cambridge.
Quiet, unassuming, courteous and witty, he had a good-natured sense of humour. He was a modest sceptic, highly erudite, bringing solid scholarship to bear on his work, immensely loyal to his students, colleagues and friends, affectionate, young at heart and mind, and above all, a gentleman.
It was always a pleasure to be in his company and to find that one's own space was recognised and accepted.
He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends all the way from Cambridge via Portugal, Spain, France and Italy to Malta. Also sadly missd by all of us at the Institute of Linguistics of the University of Malta, where he played a key role with his friendly advice, support and professionalism. We are grateful for having known Joe and for having been so enriched by him.
Appreciation - Gayle Bonnici
Ms Claire Diacono writes:
Last week many were shocked and dismayed to hear of the sudden fatal illness that struck Gayle Bonnici of Sliema. The news spread like wildfire and messages and phone calls reached those who knew her and also those who did not, to lift her up to the Lord in prayer.
All hearts were touched - how could they not, when a beautiful young girl in the prime of life was so unexpectedly stricken with such a cruel and destroying disease?
My son went to Gayle for guitar lessons, and I am sure that I speak on behalf of all the other parents and children who knew her as a guitar teacher when I say that she was conscientious, kind, gentle, sensible and encouraging in her attitude towards her students. They loved her and enjoyed being with her.
For many this will be a first experience of someone young passing away - may their hearts not be embittered by this aspect of our lives which defies all explanation but which must be accepted and forborne in good faith.
To her parents, Tessa and Martin, go our deepest, sincerest regrets. To her brood of sisters, all looking so alike, who have had to experience such bitter grief at such tender ages, our greatest compassion.
Let all who knew her and loved her feel thankful and blessed that she touched their lives when and how she did and may God grant all the ability to find peace and acceptance even in the face of this tragedy.
May she rest in peace.
St Therese Of The Child Jesus
(preparation for the arrival of her relics, July 20 to August 7)
Theme: Turn towards the True God. "Yes, I think I have never sought anything but the truth all my life; Yes! I have understood what a humble heart is. It seems to me I am humble. (30.9.1897, Day of her death).
Pharmacies Open Today
Malta 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. - Gozo 7.30 to 11 a.m.
Collis Williams Pharmacy, 300, Republic Street, Valletta;
Cosmed Pharmacy, 'Soccors', Villambrosa Street, Hamrun;
Economical Dispensary, 117, St Sebastian Street, Qormi;
Pharmaplus, Ganu Street, Birkirkara;
D'Argens Pharmacy, 330, Rue D'Argens, Gzira;
San Gwann Pharmacy, 11, Felic Borg Street, San Gwann;
Victor's Pharmacy, 9, Tower Road, Sliema;
Iklin Pharmacy, Geronimo Abos Street, Iklin;
St Louis Pharmacy, Calì Street, Mosta;
Euro Chemist, Kurazza Street, Qawra;
Distinction Pharmacy, 32, Antoine De Paule Square, Paola;
Alpha Pharmacy, 'Maria Immaculata', Cospicua Road c/w Cottoner Avenue, Fgura;
May Day, Pharmacy, Victory Street, Zabbar;
John J. Borg Pharmacy, 1, Constitution Street, Zejtun;
Kristianne Pharmacy, Cavi Street, Mqabba;
Plaza Pharmacy, 86, Main Street, Zebbug;
Bahrija Pharmacy, Triq Raddet ir-Roti c/w School Street, Bahrija;
Tac-Cawla Pharmacy, 'Marga', Dr Anton Tabone Street, Victoria, Gozo;
Joyce's Pharmacy, September 8 Avenue, Xaghra.
Pharmacies Open Tomorrow
Malta 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. - Gozo 7.30 to 11 a.m.
Floriana Dispensary, 23, St Anne Street, Floriana;
Lister Pharmacy, 209, St Joseph High Road, Hamrun;
Drugshop Dispensary, De La Cruz Avenue, Qormi;
Holy Cross Pharmacy, 37, Main Street, Birkirkara;
Mayer Pharmacy, 33 Ta' Xbiex Sea Front, Msida;
Pembroke Pharmacy, Plot 87, Pembroke, St Andrews;
Victor's Pharmacy, 9, Tower Road, Sliema;
St Catherine Pharmacy, Dielja Street c/w St Catherine Street, Attard;
Sghajtar Pharmacy, Sghajtar Road, Mosta;
Karizia Drugstore, 87, George Borg Olivier Street, Mellieha;
Portelli's Dispensary, 1, Luqa Road, Paola;
Victory Pharmacy, 32, Victory Street, Senglea;
Fgura Pharmacy, St Thomas Street, Fgura;
Beta Pharmacy, 50/52, St Mary Street, Ghaxaq;
Pasteur Pharmacy, Tellerit Street, Safi;
Santa Marija Pharmacy, 40, Ghasfura Street, Zebbug;
Healthwise Pharmacy, 230, F. Zammit Street, Dingli;
Abela's Pharmacy, 42, De Soldanis Street, Victoria, GOZO;
Joyce's Pharmacy, September 8 Avenue, Xaghra.