ABELA. On July 20, underwater, at St James Hospital, Zabbar, to Alison née Valvo and Antoine, God's precious gift of a daughter - AMIE, a welcome sister to Anthea and Andre. Special thanks to the obstetrician, the midwives, all the St James Hospital staff and Mrs Marianne Theuma for a wonderful water birth experience.

ATTARD. On July 28, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Ruth née Sharples and Jean Paul, God's precious gift of a daughter - JEANINE, a welcome sister to Jonathan and Marie Claire. Thanks be to God and Our Lady. Special thanks to midwife Charmaine Zerafa and all the dedicated maternity staff for all their care.

AWINAT. On July 28, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Fatima née Awinat and Abdul Alftah El Magtuf, God's precious gift of a daughter - RAGDAA, sister to Mohammed. Thanks to midwife Mrs Josephine Attard and all the staff at St James Capua Hospital.

AZZOPARDI. On July 30, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Vanessa née Vella and Justin, God's precious gift of a first-born son - BENJAMIN. Deo gratias et Mariae. Special thanks to midwife Michelle Farrugia and all the dedicated staff at the hospital.

BEZZINA. On July 31, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Josianne née Said and Ray, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - REBEKAH MARIE. Praise be to God and the Virgin Mary. Heartfelt thanks to the obstetrician.

BORG AQUILINA. On July 22, at St James Hospital, Zabbar, to Dulcima née Aquilina and Anton, God's precious gift of a daughter - CARA. Special thanks to the obstetrician and midwives Mariella Abela Camilleri and Anna Croucher and all the staff at St James Hospital.

CAMILLERI. On July 31, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Grace née Farrugia and Adrian, God's precious gift of a son - MIGUEL, a welcome brother to Justin and Luke. Special thanks to midwife Catherin Bonnici and all the maternity staff.

CUTAJAR. On July 30, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Ottilia née Busuttil and Jason, God's precious gift of a first-born son - JAKE. Thanks to the obstetrician, Anna Croucher and Carmen Scerri.

FARRUGIA. On July 27, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Mateja née Cassar and Reuben, God's most precious gift of a second-born son - MAX, closely guarded from heaven by his brother Ben. Deo gratias et Mariae. Special thanks to the consultant obstetrician, his team and all the supporting staff.

FRENDO. On July 31, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Christine née Attard and Robert, God's precious gift of a first-born daughter - MARTINA. Special thanks to the obstetrician and all the staff at the hospital for their care.

GRECH. On July 20, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Josian née Dimech Debono and Martin, God's precious gift of a first-born son - KARL. Thanks be to God and Our Lady. Special thanks to midwife Doreen Cassar and all the dedicated staff at the maternity wards.

KARLSSON. On July 30, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Maria née Borg and Leif, God's precious gift of a daughter - MICHELA, a most welcome sister to Francesca. Praise be to God and Our Lady. Heartfelt thanks go to the obstetrician and to the wonderful staff at the maternity ward and all the family and friends for their support.

MELI BUGEJA. On July 28, at St Philip's Hospital, to Christina née Apap Bologna and Michael, God's precious gift of a second-born son. Thanks to all the medical and nursing staff at St Philip's Hospital, especially to Carmen Cannataci.

MICALLEF. On July 29, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Fiona née Hiher and Andrew, God's precious gift of a second-born daughter - LOUISA, a welcome sister to Martina. Deo gratias et Mariae. Special thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Antoinette Saliba and all the dedicated staff at the maternity wing.

PETCHENKINE. On July 27, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Abigail Schembri and Dmitri, God's precious gift of a first-born son - TAVIAN. Thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Carmen Scerri and all the staff members of St James Capua Hospital for all their care and support.

SALIBA. On July 24, at St James Hospital, Zabbar, to Caroline née Mifsud and Antoine, God's precious gift of a daughter - MARTINA, a welcome sister to Luke, Francesco and Matthias. Special thanks to the obstetrician and midwives Anna Calleja, Mariella Abela Camilleri and all the staff at St James Hospital.

SLADDEN. On July 29, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Alexandra née Caruana and Richard, God's precious gift of a second-born son - GABRIEL, brother to Alec. Thanks to the obstetrician, paediatrician and all the maternity staff at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema.

TAYEH. On July 30, at St James Capua Hospital, Sliema, to Rania née Abuel Filat and Halim, God's precious gift of a first-born son - AMR. Thanks to the obstetrician, midwife Carmen Scerri and Sharon Bartolo and the staff at St James Capua Hospital. Thanks also to Rania's family and Halim's family, friends Abu Rami and Ramy.

VELLA. On July 16, at Karin Grech Hospital Maternity Wing, to Louisa Savasta and Keith, God's precious gift of a daughter - NICOLE ELISE. Heartfelt thanks to all the maternity staff for their useful help and continued support.

Marriages

Mr IAN FENECH and Miss NIKKI GALEA
The marriage took place on Saturday, July 24, at St Patrick's church, Sliema, between Nikki, daughter of Mr and Mrs Edward Galea of The Gardens, St Julian's, and Ian, son of the late Mr and Mrs Edward Fenech of Swieqi. Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Claude Portelli. The ceremony was witnessed by Ms Claire Burlò and Mr Michael Galea. Dr Ian Crockford carried out the duties of best man. Ms Gillian Galea was bridesmaid. Ms Tessa Mallia Borg and Ms Nicola Fenech were flower- girls, while Master Sacha Peric was pageboy. Mr Alan Galea, Mr Neil Falzon, Mr Roberto Brincat and Dr Marco Buttigieg acted as ushers. A reception was later held at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort.

Mr LOUIS TABONE and Miss NADINE PARIS
On Saturday, July 10, at the Holy Cross church, Floriana, NADINE, daughter of Christopher and Rose Paris, and LOUIS, son of Anthony and the late Carrie Tabone, received the sacrament of the holy matrimony, officiated by the bride's uncle, Fr Paul Camilleri and Fr Raymond Bonnici, OFM Cap. Mr John Camilleri, the bride's uncle, and Mrs Rita Vella, the groom's sister, witnessed the marriage ceremony. Catherine Saliba was bridesmaid, with the young Karin Vella as flower-girl. A reception at Palazzo Promontorio, Wardija, crowned the splendid evening.

Golden Wedding

Mr JOSEPH MUSCAT and Miss TARCISIA FALZON
The marriage took place on August 8, 1954, at the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, Nadur, Gozo. Congratulations and best wishes from your children André and Jennifer, Marco and Margaret, Franco and Gillian, Juanita and Mauro, Daniel and Juliana, and grandchildren Karl, Jean Marc, Matthew, Leanor, Sarah, Malcolm, Sophie and Kirsten. All our love and gratitude. May God bless you always.

Appreciation - Maggie Borg

Dr Elena Tanti Burlò, of Siggiewi, writes:

A unique person, an inspiring teacher has passed away. Ms Maggie leaves students full of love of her subjects - peace, the environment, health and social justice - and full of her fragile appearance and strong personality. One of her students exclaimed "she leaves us her heart!"

As a parent of one of her students, I thank Maggie. For those of you who were blessed to have met her and those of you who didn't, I would like to quote some of Maggie's students' postings on their MSN:

"We always love you... take care Ms Maggie. Thursday 8, funeral Kalkara."
"R.I.P. Ms Maggie, you were a great example to all."
"R.I.P. Warrior Woman."
"Help all of us who know her... Let her live on in us."
"Maggie, I will never forget what you did for me... Just wish I saw you before you left us."
"R.I.P. Maggie... We will never forget you... Now you're back with all the other angels were you belong."
"Only the dead have seen the end of war." (Plato)

Ultimately, Ms Maggie "made parents more aware of their children's abilities and made them believe in them" (student). The presence of so many students, former students, colleagues, friends and parents at her funeral was a true celebration of her life.

Rest in peace, "Warrior Woman"... you brought a breath of fresh air.

Appreciation - Mario Ellul

Mr Narcy Calamatta, of San Gwann, writes:

Exit Chorus. Voice over: chorus sings song of joy offstage. Mario Ellul is the chorus of our piece. He is a multiple character, which is why the appellation of chorus suits him. He is a film director, TV studio director and administrator, actor and singer, son, husband, father and friend. He does all of this with great love.

Of course not many may know the tenderness he reserved for his parents, his wife Grace and his son Daniel. Occasionally, one would catch him speaking to them in the sweetest manner, on the phone, even though he could be in the middle of a creative maelstrom.

Mario took his creative work with great involvement. He did not know how to say 'no' to anyone or anything. To see a project through he would shoulder the sacrifice himself rather than burden a colleague. When he had the power to give work to others he was like the Good Steward in the gospel parable. Many artists, technicians and support services personnel owe him a lot.

Mario's generosity is well known. He always had time for everyone. He risked his well-being to help others finish the job.

Generous to a fault, he juggled many balls in the air while munching a stale sandwich. While supervising the loading of equipment on transport prior to location shooting, and looking after the studio's security on his day off, he would discuss a script on his mobile for the evening's singing programme and make arrangements to pick up his son from a football game.

When everyone else was off to bed or to relax, he would sneak into an editing suite and with great dexterity he would drive the machine to its limits while singing to himself to his heart's content.

Singing was his cordial. Music was in his heart. That is the way he closed his meteoric act. That is the way the hundreds of friends who showed up for his farewell ceremony in church will remember him. His act will be with them for a never-ending series.

Some may choose to remember him in a stage musical, others as a blues nightclub singer but to his family he will always be the loving Mario, who was crazy about them.

Mario Ellul answered the call from God without a pause between gigs. Surely some jazz greats were waiting for him up there singing the tune, "When the Saints go marching in".

Obituary

BRINCAT. On August 1, at St Luke's Hospital, CARMEL (known as Charlie, ex-Petty Officer, Royal Navy), aged 72, passed suddenly away, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his dear wife Polly, his children Rose and her husband Twanny Nuner of Melbourne, Australia, Marisa and her husband Dr Toni Abela, LL.D., Odette and her husband Dr Antoine Chircop, MD, John and his wife Nathalie, his 11 grandchildren, his brothers and sisters in Malta and Australia, his in-laws, his numerous nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The family would like to thank the Rev. Clergy who concelebrated the funeral Mass at Fgura parish church on August 3, and all the many relatives and friends who attended.

PACE. On August 7, Amadeo (former nursing officer at Mount Carmel Hospital), of Valletta, residing in Mosta, aged 80, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his children Imelda, Emma and her husband John Galea, Dominic and his wife Mary, Mannes and his wife Doris, and Cecilia and her husband Emanuel Simiana, his grandchildren Josianne, Kevin, Natasha, Matthew and Christabel, great-granchildren, brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, in-laws and their families, other relatives and friends. - R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 7.15 a.m. for Mosta parish church, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 7.45 a.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi, will be appreciated. The family regret they are unable to receive visitors.

SPITERI FITENI. On August 7, at St Luke's Hospital, JOHN, widower of Betty née Caruana, of Birkirkara, aged 76, passed peacefully away comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his children Johanna Caruana, David and his wife Sonya, and Patrick, his grandchildren Daniela, Steven, Martina, Marie Claire and Roberta, his brother Louis, in-laws, other relatives and friends.
The funeral leaves St Luke's Hospital tomorrow at 8.15 a.m. for St Joseph the Worker parish church, Birkirkara, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 8.45 a.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. Donations to id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi, will be greatly appreciated. Dear Lord, grant him eternal rest.

In Memoriam

ARRIGO - JOE. Lovingly remembered, especially today the 13th anniversary of his death, by Jacque and all her family.

BEZZINA - PAUL. In ever loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather on the eighth anniversary of his rebirth in the Risen Christ. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His wife Helen, his children Carmel, Michael and Antoinette, Miriam and John, and his grandchildren Bernard, Adrian and Alexandra. Kindly remember him in your prayers. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

BORG - ROBERT. Cherished and unfading memories of a dear son, brother and uncle, today the 20th anniversary of his demise. Always remembered with deep affection by his mother M'Anne, father Francis Xavier, brother and sisters Godwin, Monica, Eileen, Odette and all the family.

BRINCAU. In loving memory of JOSEPHINE (Jessie) on the fifth anniversary of her demise. Fondly remembered by her daughter MaryRose and her family.

BUGEJA. Loving memories of our dearest mother CHRISTINE, today and always. Sarah, Martin and Leanne.

BUGEJA. In loving memory of our dearest sister CHRISTINE. Sadly missed by her brothers and sisters.

BUGEJA. Fondest memories of CHRISTINE. Never forgotten by Sylvia and Eggie, Tanya and David, Melanie and Andrew.

CARUANA - JOHN of Paola, 6.10.1909-12.8.1999. In loving memory of our dear father on the fifth anniversary of his death. Always in our hearts and prayers. Never missed by his daughter Marion and her husband George, grandchildren Pierre and his wife Roberta and great-grandchild Gayle, and Janet and her husband Mark, and his other children. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

CUSCHIERI. In loving memory of JOSEPH M. on the 34th anniversary of his death. Dear Dad, pray to the Risen Lord to whom we are sure you are so near, to keep us united loving each other as you always wanted us to be. Your children and grandchildren.

EBEJER - ANTHONY. In loving memory of an adored husband and father, August 13 being the fifth anniversary of his demise. Fondly remembered by his wife Mary and six children Mario, Rita, Josette, Antonella, Jean Paul and Efrem. A Mass for the repose of his soul will be said on August 13 at 6 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception parish church, Cospicua.

FARRUGIA - ANGIOLINA of Marsa. In loving memory of a dear mother on the 27th anniversary of her demise. Fondly remembered by her children, their families, her sister and friends. Rest in peace.

FORD - FRANK. In loving memory of a very dear father and grandfather who passed away 21 years ago. Life is so short and though the years gone by seem like a lifetime, the time we shared feels as if it were only yesterday; so precious and priceless. Marisa, Lana, Ann, Tony and families.

MAGRI. In loving memory of GEORGE, a dedicated husband and father. Always in our thoughts and prayers, especially today being the 18th anniversary of his demise. His dear wife Mary, his sons, in-laws and grandchildren. A Mass for the repose of his soul will be said tomorrow at 6 p.m. at St Mary's church, Birkirkara.

SCIORTINO. Treasured and unfading memories of a dear father, JOSEPH, on the 17th anniversary of his demise. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Pray for us. His only daughter M'Rose and her husband George S. Grech.

SULTANA - ANDREW. On his 20th anniversary. Fondly remembered by his wife Helen, son Martin and family.

VELLA - OLIVER, Cellist FRAM, on the 29th anniversary of his death, 10.8.2004. Fondly remembered by his nephew Michael and his wife Joyce. May he rest in peace.

ZAMMIT. In loving memory of a dear niece and cousin, KATYA, on the fifth anniversary of her passing away. Always in our hearts and prayers. So sadly missed by uncle Tony, auntie Vicky, Kristina and Andrew.

Personal

I sincerely thank the Almighty God for favours received through the intercession of the Holy Mary, St Rita, St Jude, St Joseph and St Helen. M.M., St Julian's.

Sidonia Enterprises Ltd

Closed for summer holidays. Reopening Monday, August 23.

Pharmacies Open Today

Malta 9 a.m. to noon - Gozo 7.30 to 11 a.m.
Vilhena Pharmacy, 37, St Anne Street, Floriana;
Colonial Pharmacy, 706, St Joseph High Road, Hamrun;
St Venera Pharmacy, 532, St Joseph High Road, St Venera;
Rational Pharmacy, 185, Valley Road, Birkirkara;
St Matthew's Pharmacy, 213, The Strand, Gzira;
Balluta Pharmacy, 30, Main Street, St Julian's;
Mrabat Pharmacy, 5, Mrabat Street, Sliema;
Il-Mehriez Pharmacy, 4, Giovanni Curmi Street, L-Iklin;
Pillbox Pharmacy, 2, Triq il-Bjad, Naxxar;
Qawra Pharmacy, Earl's Court/1, Triq l-Imhar, Qawra;
Portelli's Dispensary, 1, Luqa Road, Paola;
White Cross Pharmacy, Shop A, Block 1, Fuq San Pawl, Cospicua;
May Day Pharmacy, Victory Street, Zabbar;
Medicaid Pharmacy, Tower Avenue, Gudja;
Kirkop Pharmacy, 9, Parish Street, Kirkop;
St Nicholas Pharmacy, 1, Parish Street, Siggiewi;
St Anthony Pharmacy, 18, Main Street, Rabat;
Castle Pharmacy, 2, Independence Square, Victoria, GOZO;
Lauretana Pharmacy, 36, Mgarr Road, Ghajnsielem.