It was a great shock for me and for all my family to receive the sad news of the sudden death of our sister-in-law Margaret Gauci. Although living so far away from us, Margaret loved and knew us all. She shared with us our joys and our sorrows, never forgetting to ask if all was well with each and every one of us.

I first met Margaret in London, way back in 1957, where she was introduced to me by my brother, Victor. Her sincerity, her simplicity and her straightforwardness impressed me and I was proved right when I got to know her better as my brother’s wife.

Margaret was a dedicated and loving wife to her “precious Vic”. She was near him daily for long hours, during his five month stay in hospital, where he was battling for his life. She never lost hope and always looked forward to the time when they would again be re-united at home. God rewarded her efforts and her strong faith in Him. Vic was back home and, for the last year, both were able to live a normal family life, enjoy each other’s company and the joy of being with their children and grandchildren.

Margaret hated the frivolity of life. She never wanted to be in the limelight. Her greatest pleasure was to visit her children and her sister Mary and to help in the best way she could anyone who needed her. Children were always foremost in her heart. During the time her husband served as Maltese Ambassador at the United Nations, she volunteered to help underprivileged children through her work at UNICEF. For her, this was a labour of love, which she treasured all her life.

To my brother Victor, to my nieces Rebecca and Maryanne, I extend my deepest sympathy and assurances of my prayers for her, a loving wife and mother of whom they are rightly so proud.

May they remember that all who die in grace go no further from us than God and God is very near.