MICALLEF. On December 20, at Mater Dei Hospital, CARMEL of Rabat, aged 75. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Martha, his children Carmen and her husband Mario Cassar, Denis and his wife Marisa and Sandra and her husband Tony Caruana, his grandchildren Marc, Adam and Nicole, his brothers and sisters, Dr Daniel Micallef and his wife Pauline, Maria and her husband Paul Galea of Canada, Grace and her husband Carmelo Muscat and Tony and his wife Catherine, his in-laws, nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital today at 3 p.m. for St Dominic's church, Rabat, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 3.30 p.m., followed by interment in the family grave at the Santa Margherita Cemetery, Rabat. No flowers by request but donations to Villa Mgr Gonzi, Siggiewi, will be appreciated.
MIFSUD-CHIRCOP. On December 19, at St James Hospital, Sliema, Dr GORG MIFSUD-CHIRCOP, aged 56, passed away peacefully comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Marlene, née Said, his daughter Berenice, his son Jerome, relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral will be held tomorrow at 8.30 a.m. at Mosta parish church where Mass praesente cadavere will be said, followed by interment at Mosta cemetery. No flowers by request, but donations to the Dr Gorg Mifsud-Chircop Memorial Lecture Fund (University of Malta) will be appreciated. The family regret they are unable to receive visitors.
The family would like to thank all the staff at St James Hospital, Sliema and The Royal Marsden, Fulham Road, London, for their dedicated care.
Appreciation - Dolly Sant Fournier
Josette Magri writes:
Where shall I begin? Dolly Sant Fournier née Toledo, my childhood friend and neighbour, dear, sweet Dolly, lovely, loving and so loved is no more. A beautiful life cut short, when it had so much to offer. For Dolly has touched the hearts of many. She was a wonderful person, a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother, a dutiful daughter and sister, a sincere and warm friend always going out of her way to help out.
Although Dolly had so much to thank God for, the latter phase of her life was a difficult and burdensome one. She had to spend some hours at the Renal Unit three times a week, no easy task but an ordeal rather, involving great discomfort. And, yet, never a moan, not one whimper. Forever smiling, that charming face of hers never revealed pain or bitterness, annoyance or frustration. Saints are made of this and she was a role model if ever there was one.
Dolly was one of a kind, with a sweet word for all, never looking at the defects but at the good qualities. She had that rare gift of making one feel important simply because she had time for others. When she and Victor used to come home, she would say: "I got you this because I thought you would like it" or "I was told you were fond of this". She bothered about others and, considering her trials and tribulations, that meant a great deal.
One thing that struck me was a casual remark recently passed by a nurse at the Renal Unit, an ex-student of mine, about Dolly: "On her good days, she brings us a home-made cake or sweet as a treat and she actually prepares it herself!" That shows the kind of person Dolly was: Selfless, thoughtful and considerate.
Life is sometimes unfair. I wonder. Why should her dear family, and we, her loving friends, be deprived of such a jewel in their midst? To her darling husband Victor, to her beloved daughters and grandchildren, to her dear mother, to her loving brothers and devoted sister Stephanie, and to Stella, I say, be proud of having had Dolly as family. Few indeed can match her goodness, her kindness, her generosity and fine sense of humour, but, mostly, the love she had to give. Her ways will remain with us forever, her spirit living not in your hearts only but in ours, too, who had the privilege of enjoying her friendship.
Requiem Masses
A Mass for the repose of the soul of EDGAR CARUANA MONTALDO who passed away on November 25 will be said tomorrow at 6.30 p.m. at Santa Marija ta' l-Angli church, Bahar ic-Caghaq. The attendance of family and friends would be greatly appreciated.
In Memoriam
AGIUS - JOHN ALFRED AGIUS, MBE. Tomorrow being the second anniversary of his death the 8.30 a.m. Mass at St Rita's chapel, St Julians, will be said for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace. Tony, Gemma Thompson, May.
AGIUS FERRANTE. In ever loving memory of ALBERT on the third anniversary of his death. May God grant him eternal rest. His nieces and nephews.
BOWMAN - WALTER. In loving memory of our dear father on the 10th anniversary of his demise. Fondly remembered in our thoughts and prayers. Joe and Therese, Franklyn and Ivy and grandchildren. A prayer is solicited. Thank you, dad.
GRECH. In loving memory of HERBERT and ALICE. Fondly remembered by Gladys, Patricia, and Sandra and Edward. Kindly remember them in your prayers.
SCHEMBRI - JOSEPH. Always remembered by his wife Pauline, children and grandchildren, especially today the ninth anniversary of his death. Today's 6.30 p.m. Mass at Balzan parish church will be offered for the repose of his soul.
TABONE - MARY. Cherished memories of a loving mother and grandmother, today being the first anniversary of her death. Lovingly remembered by her sons Joe and Andre, their wives Tania and Bridget, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May she rest in peace.
VASSALLO - JOSEPH. In loving memory, today his 27th anniversary.
What happened that December day
Our hearts always will ponder and weigh
How someone so dear, a friend to all
Spreading love and cheer
Be taken away so suddenly,
Like a flickering light
Here and then gone.
Seemed so unreal
Now we pray for the winds of love
To softly blow and whisper
That we'll always love you dad
And miss you.
Your children Lina, Jo, Nathalie, Marthese, Marianne and spouses.
VASSALLO - JOSEPH, 20.12.'80-20.12.'07.
Dear nannu,
The Christmas buzz is in the air
Busy shoppers fill the streets
Trying to find that perfect gift
Those perfect Christmas treats.
My treat would be to have you here
Joining in the celebration
Even just for an hour or so
For us to mark the occasion.
Although this can never happen
You're not that far away from me
You're the joy and laughter
Surrounding us
You're the star on top of my tree.
Merry Christmas, nannu. We will always love you. Claire, Joanna, Kevin, Louise, Jackie, Laura, Joseph, Hannah, Tara, Francesca and Ben and your great-grandchildren Xikira, Yannick, Alessia.
Sidonia Enterprises Ltd
Closed for Christmas holidays. Re-open, Thursday, January 3, 2008.
Maltese Literature Morning
The Vers Aghtini Klabb will be rounding off this year's literary events with an activity at the Guardian Angel School, in Hamrun on December 30 between 10.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.
All those who enjoy reading Maltese literature are invited to attend and read aloud a selection of their favourite prose.
The theme will focus on Maltese literary characters such as Bendu Muscat, Wenzu u Rozi, is-Sahhar Falzun, Pupull, Gahan, and Pawlu s-Sagristan among many others.
All of these characters have been immortalised by Maltese authors.
For more information one may contact Miriam Cassar on 2166 7001 or 9922 6186.
New ambassador
Caroline Gudenus yesterday formally assumed her new office of Austrian Ambassador to Malta when she presented her letters of credence to President Eddie Fenech Adami at the Palace, Valletta.
Dr Gudenus joined the Austrian Diplomatic Service in 1986. In February 2005, she was appointed head of the Sub-Saharan Africa Unit at the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
Journalists Institute AGM
The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) will hold its annual general meeting at the premises of the Malta Press Club, 104a, Old Mint Street, Valletta on January 14 at 7 p.m.
Elections for the council posts of chairman, secretary, treasurer and four members will be held.
Anyone wishing to contest one of those posts can apply to the secretary, IGM, 146/5 Howard Street, Sliema, to the Malta Press Club in Old Mint Street or via e-mail joeavella@onvol.net by January 7.
Motions or amendments to the statue are also to be filed by that date.
Christmas Mass in English
The Christmas night Mass for English-speaking Catholics will be celebrated at the Casa Leone Chapel, St Julians at 10.30 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Another Mass on Christmas Eve will be celebrated in English at St Barbara church, Republic Street, Valletta, at 10.30 p.m.
Sliema Band concert
The Sliema Band will present a musical programme on January 1 at 10 p.m. at the Dar tal-Providenza complex, Siggiewi. The band will perform works including Spanish gypsy dance by Pascar Marquina, O Surdato Nnamurato by Ennio Cannio, Il Tango Delle Capinere and Mamma by Cesare Andrea Bixio, Italian Symphony by Willy Hautvast, Sliemalta by Ronnie Psiani and Giuseppe Verdi's Brindisi from La Traviata. Ronnie Debattista will conduct the orchestra.
Local Councils
Today's meeting
4 p.m. Lija