Emanuel Cilia Debono, writes:

After a short illness, endured with pious fortitude, Gemma (Miss Vella, as she was known to many) was called by the Lord to eternal life on August 17, only two days after the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, to whom she had special devotion.

She is sorely missed by her brother Hilary, her sisters Imelda, Iris and Ivy, and their families. I deem myself fortunate to have been her brother-in-law. We confided in her, shared with her our thoughts and we looked at her for 'motherly' advice.

Gemma dedicated her life to the teaching profession.

She had an aptitude for tempering discipline with kindness and understanding. She was especially sensitive to the needs of young children and the sensitivity showed in her relationships with her nephews, nieces and their children.

Gemma was deeply religious. She was a source of spiritual inspiration to all who knew her. She was also active in the Mosta parish community, having been a member of the Legion of Mary and first president of the Mosta praesidium.

During her time as headmistress at Mosta Primary School, she worked very closely with the community, since she was concerned for the spiritual welfare of the schoolchildren entrusted to her care.

She is also remembered with love by many parishioners of St Paul's Bay, where she served as headmistress for a number of years.

Gemma is now reaping the reward she deserves for a lifetime well spent in the service of God and humanity. We, members of her family, feel comfort in our bereavement by the thought that we now have one more saintly soul close to Our Lord, where she is better placed to pray for us in our daily needs.