I have known Mary Fenech Adami for practically my entire life. In my early years, spending summers in Buġibba, I remember when she started going out with her future husband Eddie, another Buġibba summer resident.

I also distinctly recollect what my dear departed father prophetically said when they got married: “Mary has married a man who will one day become very important for Malta.” He did not live to see how true those words would turn out to be.

But what he could not foretell then was how Mary herself would also achieve greatness in her life as a wife and mother, and as the wife of a politician first and a prime minister and president later.

I will treasure the memories of the good times we shared, especially during our rummy tea parties and her birthday lunches.

She has now gone to a better place where no doubt she will do her best to organise rummy and birthday parties for the good souls in heaven.

I am sure she will look after her dear family and will remember her lifelong friends, from above.

Dear Lord, grant her eternal rest.