(Adds Dr Gonzi's appreciation for expressions of solidarity expressed by readers, Parliament's condolences)
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi's mother, Inez, 86, passed away last night.
Informed sources said the death was sudden at home in Valletta.
She is survived by her husband Louis and four children: Sr Margaret, Lawrence, Michael, who is also an MP, and Paulanne.
The funeral will be held tomorrow at 10 am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Valletta.
The Labour Party expressed its condolences to the Gonzi family and said that party leader Joseph Muscat had been in touch with the Prime Minister to personally express his condolences.
Azzjoni Nazzjonali in a statement expressed its condolences to the Prime Minister. "We send our thoughts and prayers to him and his family at this difficult time, the party said.
Alternattiva Demokratika Chairman, Arnold Cassola, in another statement of condolence said: "The loss of a mother represents a void in one's life that can never be filled. Alternattiva Demokratika is close to Prime Minister Gonzi and his family in this moment of deep sorrow".
Paul Borg Olivier, general secretary of the Nationalist Party expressed the party's condolences, praising Mrs Gonzi for her sense of solidarity and community spirit.
The board of directors and executive management of SmartCity expressed their sympathy with the Prime Minister and announced that the Ground Breaking Ceremony of Phase One, due to have taken place tomorrow, has been postponed.
The House of Representatives this evening expressed its condolences to the Prime Minister and Nationalist MP Michael Gonzi for their loss.
Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg said he remembered Mrs Gonzi for her prudence and humility, even though one of her sons was the Prime Minister and another was an MP.
Opposition leader Joseph Muscat said he had spoken to the Prime Minister and could understand the great loss the family were suffering.
The Speaker, Dr Louis Galea said he also remembered Mrs Gonzi for her strong family values.
(Dr Gonzi in a comment below thanked all those who had expressed solidarity with his family.)