Greta Psaila Savona (right) with her mother Liliana.

Greta Psaila Savona, now a mum of two young children herself, lost her beloved mum Liliana to cancer in 2007. She shares some of the many memories that now live on as legacies of this much-loved mother and grandmother.

• “If I could say one thing to my mum right now it would be to ask her to never ever leave us again,” says Greta.

“To me, as a little girl, my mother was the most beautiful woman in the world. As I grew up I learned to appreciate her for so much more. Not only was she beautiful, she was also lively, sociable, much loved by all who knew her and, above all, fiercely protective of those she loved.

“Although a petite woman, my mother was incredibly strong. She bore her illness with great strength and, unless you knew, you couldn’t tell she was unwell. She hated to burden anyone with the thought that she may have been uncomfortable or in pain. On her last day with us, she seemed to want something, so I asked her if she was all right and she said, ‘nothing’s wrong’; those were to be her last words.

“I remember my mum for her cheerfulness, courage and warmth. My two sisters and I thought of her as one of us. The more we came of age, the less she told us what to do. Nevertheless, she taught us so much through her example alone. She was a great listener who avoided confrontation; she provided a huge support network to us and our dad. Her loyalty and sense of protection made us girls feel safe from anything. I try to emulate this with my children, as it is something I appreciate. She now has seven grandchildren and each shows some traits of their grandmother.

“Looking back, the most important thing she taught me was that, no matter what is wrong, you can wake up, look good, feel good and face anything. There is no doubt that losing a parent is the hardest thing I have ever had to live through. The only positive side to it is that I believe my mother is with me wherever I go.”

Carina Camilleri’s mother, Rosemarie.

Stylist Carina Camilleri lost her mum, Rosemarie, in 2008. Today, she remembers her for her incredible patience and kindness, as well as the many giggles they shared along the way.

• “If I were given just five more minutes with my mum, I wouldn’t say much at all; I’d just hold her tight, thank her, and tell her how much I love her. After all, mum lived to make us happy and, when my children Ben and Dale came along, she lived to make them happy too.

“She would go out of her way for us and was the most altruistic person I have ever encountered. She was so kind and patient, and she wanted us to tell her everything – provided it was the truth. We’d travel regularly together and that made us even closer; it’s lovely to be able to look back on all the laughs we shared as we explored one city or another.

“In her quiet and hard-headed ways, mum taught me so much – not least to always ask for something I wanted, and then be ready to accept the answer. She also taught me to have fun, though, and I will always remember her for the hilarious things she used to say and do.”

Alison Grech’s mother Patricia (seated) with her extended family.

Alison Grech was devastated when her mother Patricia passed away after a debilitating illness. However, having lived a very loving life, her legacy now lives on through her children and grandchildren.

• “There is no doubt about it,” says Alison. “If my mum were alive today I would simply want to thank her for everything she did for us and the love that she showed us. She was a wonderful mother and she taught me to love my children in the same way, and thus allow them the independence and strength she deve-loped in me.

“My mum was a very caring and selfless person. Our dad left home when I was about seven years old, but our childhood was always a happy one and mum went without so much to ensure we were all right. She even bore her horrible illness without complaining, and was always more concerned with us than herself.

“I loved how easy mum was to talk to, and she was always there at the end of the phone, even when I moved to Malta. She was a fantastic grandmother who exuded love for every-one in her life – her children, her children’s spouses and her grandchildren.

“Today, I think her legacy is apparent in the love I share with my siblings and our wonderful relationships. And, having lost mum and having my own children, I realise what a fantastic mother she was and how much she did for us all. She had such strength of character and I have, thankfully, inherited this.”