A dedicated school assistant

The staff and pupils at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in St Julians were recently in mourning again after the untimely death of the senior school's assistant headmistress, Susan Farrugia Sacco.

I first met Mrs Farrugia Sacco, or Sue as we all called her, about 19 years ago when she came back to Sacred Heart to teach English and religious education. Over the years as colleagues at the school we shared every day experiences, we would talk about our family, friends. We would also joke and tease each other. She would tease me about the subject I taught - Mathematics - and I would tease her about her impeccable English.

As the years wore on I moved out of the staff room when I became assistant head with Rita Camilleri when Sr Adelgisa Zammit was still head of the school. As it turned out, Sue followed in my footsteps and became assistant head when Sr Zammit passed away and Rita became deputy head. This is when the three of us became firm friends. Our great determination to keep the school going following Sr Zammit's death made us bond together and a sincere friendship resulted. We worked hard for the school, we shared the same vision but most of all we were friends.

Sue always went round the school with a smile on her lips and had a kind word for all around her. Her witty sense of humour helped us tide over many a stressful moment. We all thought that life was back to normal again until she suddenly became ill just over a year ago.

Sue won our admiration at the way she courageously fought her battle against cancer. She still came to school on her "good" days wanting so much to give her share. It was heartbreaking for all of us to watch her strength waning little by little. Her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary shone through these difficult days. She was a true Associate of the Sacred Heart.

It was with great pride that the Senior School Choir sang at her funeral Mass as we went to pay our last respect to a woman who recognised and cherished what was most important in her life - her faith, her family and the school.

Sue's untimely death has been a great blow to us. She is sorely missed by teachers and students alike. Yet, although physically she is not with us any longer we know that she will never abandon the people she loved most.

Sue is still with us in spirit. She has gone to the Lord to receive her reward. On behalf of the staff and students at Sacred Heart I thank Susan for sharing a great part of her life with us.

May she rest in peace.