Appreciation - Jane Spiteri

Doreen Micallef, president of the National Council of Women, writes:

The National Council of Women has lost another of its founder members. For many of us it is much more than that. Jane Spiteri not only embodied the early years of the NCW but was a good friend, mentor and guide to so many.

Her well-known tenacity and energetic manner belied a warm, maternal heart, which she kept well hidden most of the time under her brusque manner. When Jane took you under her wing, you were there for good.

With Jane's broad experience as a teacher and social worker, and her involvement in other NGOs, she was the driving force behind a great number of proposals.

In the 44 years since the founding of the National Council of Women, Jane oversaw its development and growth. Her dream for the council to have its own premises became a reality.

The Blata l-Bajda premises became Jane's second home, and she spent long hours there. Even now, we almost expect her to be there whenever we have a meeting or gathering, and no doubt, she is - in spirit and in her legacy of vision and purpose that guided NCW through the years.

On the initiative of the National Council of Women, Mass for the repose of the soul of NCW founder member and honorary president Jane Spiteri is being held at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Chapel of the Christian Doctrine MUSEUM, Blata l-Bajda, on Friday at 6 p.m. Mgr Lawrence Gatt will lead the concelebrated Mass. All NCW members and friends are invited to attend.