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Anita M. Tagliaferro (née Stroud) writes:

Most readers must have heard the sad and devastating news that Joyce Muscat (née Aqui­lina) passed away on March 16.  It has been a very trying time and a big shock for her whole family, but even more so for her most devoted husband, Richard, her loving children, mother, brothers, sisters, relatives and numerous friends.

Joyce was a very strong fighter and her deep faith helped to build up her courage to face and accept difficult times. She deserved the love with no boundaries and support that she always found in Richard and her family. She was constantly surrounded by care, complete dedication and sincere love, and wherever or whenever she could, she passed this on to anybody who crossed her path.

I had known Joyce and her sister, Julie, ever since our schooldays at Mater Boni Consillii School (St Joseph) Paola. We then met at Mater Admirabilis Teachers’ Training College where we shared many a happy moment. We were all smiles and laughter, with not a care in the world.

We all remember Joyce and Joan Xuereb (née Panzavecchia) her room-mate, who passed away 10 months ago. Joan was the “bubbly” and enthusiastic one with an addictive smile.

Joyce was the quieter type who always had a sincere, demure smile and whose sparkling eyes looked directly at the other person, showing a keen interest in what was being said or done.

She was very humble and worked silently with a strong determination to see that all went well whatever the situation. Her great love for God, family and others surpassed all difficulties and was able to go through thick and thin, supporting her husband all the way.

I will miss her soft-spoken voice during our telephone conversations. Joyce always thought about others first before thinking about herself. She made it a point to keep me informed about Joan so that I could pass on her news to all colleagues to pray for her.  I always answered: “Yes Joyce. We will pray for her, for one and all, for one another, specially for those who may need more prayers.”

After our 50th reunion in June 2015, Joyce welcomed me with open arms at her home in Attard  to help me in giving out  CDs to colleagues who lived in her area.

On Friday, March 24, we said our last farewell during the Holy Eucharist at St Helen’s Basilica, Birkirkara. It was a most serene celebration that united us all with a deep spiritual meaning.

During the homily, Fr Noel Vassallo, parish priest of Attard, stressed the beautiful qualities that Joyce had – her profound love, simplicity, humility, resilience and sincere friendship, but most of all her love, faith and complete trust in God.

Fr Noel drew our attention to the day’s Gospel reading, and how appropriate it was for that special occasion. Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” The scribe answered that he was already fulfilling this commandment, to which Jesus replied: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”

Thank you, Joyce. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being you and for being a dear friend and colleague. All colleagues, here and abroad, will definitely pray for you, your husband, Richard and family. I am sure that constant prayers for one another have been unfailing.

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