Announcements

BARTOLO. On December 28, at Mater Dei Hospital, JOSEPH, aged 86. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Antonia, his children Robert and Rosanne, grandchildren, their spouses and great-grandchildren. The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital today at 2 p.m. for Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish church, Gżira, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 2.30 p.m., followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

GAFFARENA. On December 28, at Mater Dei Hospital, EMMANUELA of Senglea, aged 89, passed away peacefully comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her sons Lawrence and his wife Linda, Wally and his wife Sandra, John and his wife Janet, her grandchildren Tracey, Stephanie, Daniel, Clare, Ronnie and Brian, her brother Manuel, her sisters Ġakkina and Rosie, all their respective families, other relatives and friends. The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital tomorrow at 7.15 a.m. for Our Lady of Victories basilica in Senglea, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 7.45 a.m. followed by interment in the family grave at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. Lord, grant her eternal rest.

MICALLEF. On December 28, JOHN, of Sliema, aged 76, passed away peacefully at Mater Dei Hospital, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his great loss his wife Anne, nèe Saliba, his sons Jesmond and his wife Stephanie, Alexander and his wife Christina, Ivan, and his only granddaughter Francesca, his brothers Carmelo, Louis and his wife Ninette, his in-laws, nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends.The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital tomorrow, Wednesday, at 9 a.m. for Our Lady of the Sacred Heart parish church, Sliema, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 9.30 a.m. followed by interment at Santa Marija Cemetery, Mosta.No flowers by request but a donation to Dar tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi, will be greatly appreciated. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.

Requiem Mass

A Mass in memory of Dr ANTON TABONE who passed away on October 30, 2009, will be said tomorrow at 6.30 p.m. at the Capuchin church, Floriana. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

In memoriam

BONNICI - JAMES. Treasured memories of my dear dad on his fifth anniversary. To remember you is easy, I do that every day, but your presence I miss so much. Your son Charles and family.

BORG. In loving memory of our parents, Dr FREDERICK BORG, and his wife ADELINA, 29.12.'60 and 24.2.'74, respectively. May they rest in peace. May, Joe and family.

DEBONO - VINCENT LOUIS. Memories of a much loved husband, father and grandfather on the 19th anniversary of his demise. His wife Therese, children, in-laws and grandchildren.

FARRUGIA - Professor PHILIP FARRUGIA, BSc, MD, FRIC. Cherished and loving memories of a very dear father and grandfather, today the anniversary of his death. Forever in our hearts. Joan, Rudolph and all his grandchildren. A prayer is solicited.

FORMOSA GAUCI - AGATHA. In sweet and loving memory of our dear Agatina. Remembering you always, especially today. Love and gratitude, Joseph, Joanna, Andrea and Christian.

GINGELL. In loving memory of a dear and beloved father, LINO, on the 27th anniversary of his demise. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Alex, Frederick, Maria, Louise, Liz, Joseph and respective families.

GRASSO. In ever loving memory of our beloved LOUIS ANTHONY, today being the seventh anniversary of his passing away. Always remembered and never forgotten by Gladys and Jack.
To some you may be forgotten,
To others you are part of the past
But to us
Your memory will always last.

MAGRI OVEREND - REGINALD. Treasured and unfading memories of a dear father and grandfather on the 33rd anniversary of his demise.
Those whom we love go out of sight,
But never out of mind;
They are cherished in the hearts
Of those they leave behind.
Nicola, Andrew and Caroline, Julian, Jonathan and Ingrid, and his grandchildren Michael, Amanda, Jamie, Lisa and Adam. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.

MICALLEF - CARMELA (Eugenia). In ever loving memory of a beloved mother and grandmother on the eighth anniversary of her death. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Tessie and Victor Shaw and grandchildren and family. Lord, grant her eternal rest.

PACE. In ever loving memory of our dear father JOHN, today the 24th anniversary of his demise. Always in our thoughts and prayers. His family. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

SAID - NICOLA (Notary). On the 12th anniversary of his demise. Remembered by his family.

SALNITRO - JOSEPH. Treasured memories of a loving father and grandfather. Always remembered on his anniversary.

XUEREB - BICE, our beloved mother. Today the 17th anniversary of her demise. Today's 6 p.m. Mass at the Ursuline Crèche chapel, Sliema, will be offered for the repose of her soul. Lord, grant her eternal rest. Her children.

Appreciation - Nadia Farrugia

Stephanie Vella writes:

It is extremely difficult to put down in words what Nadia means to me. For a number of years she was a work colleague, but Nadia has been, above all, a friend, a great source of support and inspiration for even longer. Nadia had a gentle, timid and reserved manner. Notwithstanding, she was opinionated and adamant about her beliefs.

On a professional level, Nadia was a great example not only to her colleagues but also to the number of students she taught at the University of Malta. She never failed to embark on a challenge, often working long hours to meet a deadline. She always put a lot of effort in her work though it came natural for Nadia to produce prime quality work. Indeed she was a source of encouragement to everyone whose life she touched.

Her greatest challenge though came this year, a challenge which Nadia fought with incredible courage and strength. It is bewildering how during her illness, Nadia managed to make people around her feel strong. Despite the physical changes, whenever I met Nadia, I personally felt oblivious to what was happening before my eyes. For every time we met, it was always business as usual. We would talk about our usual things, make fun of the usual things and just act as though it was a normal day. She would not have it any other way.

I couldn't understand her words when on one occasion she told me that she was not bitter or angry and that she just wanted to spend whatever time she had with her family. But today I do. For it was that attitude and spirit which allowed Nadia to persevere despite the pain she had to endure. And it is also through sheer strength and determination that Nadia continued to lecture till her final days, passing on her knowledge to her students. You see, that was Nadia, when there was a job to be done, she would do it. Come rain or shine you could always depend on Nadia. She truly was a remarkable person, who through her friendship has given me a lot and taught me even more.

Luqa band concert

L-Unjoni band of Luqa will hold its New Year's concert in St Andrew's Square, Luqa, on Friday at 10 a.m.

The band will be playing different types of music including Alcala, La Vita Bella and various military marches. Admission is free. www.unionbandmalta.org

Power cuts

There will be power cuts today between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. in is-Sur and il-Vitorja streets, Senglea.