Maria, Theresa, Fr Joe, Edgar, Anna and Agnes Galea-Curmi write:
News of Marlene's passing to a better life spread like wildfire on July 9. For our family, the loss brought a myriad of memories, wonderful memories of the beauty that Marlene brought to our lives through her close friendship with our mother and, hence, her influence on us and on our being.
Her name may not strike a chord with the prominent and famous but, for those who were fortunate enough to be touched by her life, Marlene will never be forgotten. And it is undoubtedly her simplicity that left the greatest impact on others.
Marlene's life was one of giving, particularly to the nurturing of her beautiful family. Some of the most pleasant memories are surely those of listening to her recounting the narratives of every one of her seven boys' - Carlo, Joseph, John, David, Bernard, Daniel and Gabriel - achievements great and small that she would relate with such pride.
Never for a moment did she stop to think that perhaps she herself had contributed greatly to who her children turned out to be and this made her truly a mother with a difference. And, as though she did not have enough to think about, she would take equal interest in what was happening in our lives and share our joys and sorrows as the children of Josette, her precious friend.
Her virtues were countless.Her involvement in voluntary work and in the parish made her simple presence a nourishing spring to all the people she helped. Her openness to others guaranteed a welcome to anyone who visited the Schembri household and provided an epitomic definition of "home".
Her faith presented those around her with comfort and signified what it meant to believe, even when life presented moments of adversity. And these attributes provide just a glimpse of who Marlene really was.
Goodbye, Marlene, and as you look down from heaven,may you be forever proud of that which you left behind and may your family and the persons who were blessed by your presence in their lives find comfort in the amazing memories of you.