Mary Vella Bondin left us with many nice memories to join God. She was the first local midwifery tutor and kept the profession growing and getting stronger. Most of the midwives know how dedicated she was to her work and also that she was a most generous woman.

Midwives appreciate the fact that she was the founder of the Midwives' Association of Malta. After an excellent presentation during the Congress of International Confederation of Midwives in Brighton in 1981, where I was present, we were accepted as members.

Mary was always so encouraging to students during midwifery courses and supported them in all ways. Many midwives attended courses and conferences abroad through her intervention. During the time I was her assistant we were very close and always worked in harmony and with great respect to each other. She was an immaculate person in her work who kept the midwifery profession strong and unique. Mary kept thinking about midwifery even during her illness.

After my mother's tragic death she was of great support by visiting our family in Mġarr. How can I forget knowing it was a few days after her illness was diagnosed. Thank you Mary! Your last words to me in hospital were, "Pray Jesus for me".

Together with my family - Mary was sort of part of it - and all the midwives who knew her, we send our sympathy to her family.

Lord grant her eternal peace.