Church packed for funeral of Mildred Azzopardi, victim of Valletta crash

Floriana’s St Publius Church was packed to the rafters on Saturday with people who bid farewell to Mildred Azzopardi, who was killed in “unimaginable” circumstances following a car crash. 

Mildred, 62, was crushed when a Subaru Impreza crashed into the parked family car last Sunday. The victim and her 69-year-old husband – former footballer Alfred Azzopardi - had finished a fishing trip at the Valletta waterfront when the crash happened at Ta' Liesse in Valletta. 

For the funeral on Saturday, many wore shades of orange and turquoise, on request of the family who wanted to celebrate her life through her favourite colours. 

One of her four children, Janice, read a message on behalf of all siblings that included her brother Cain and sisters Amy and Maria. 

Mildred Azzopardi

She spoke about how their mother loved life, had a curious mind and taught them values that included honour, positivity and willpower.

She appreciated the little things in life: watching the sunset or sipping her early morning tea. 

“You were like a button. You held us together… we’re all gonna miss you… we wish we could have changed your mind and you stayed home that night,” Janice said, adding they wished to watch one last sunset together or have one last early morning chat.  

Their father was still recovering in hospital and could not be present for his wife's funeral. But if he was, he would say how much he loved her.

“You were his everything,” she said. 

Archpriest Charles Cini said that while Floriana's parish had hosted many funerals, this was “unusual” as Mildred did not die from old age or disease.  

“Today we are here because Mildred lost her life in an accident… unimaginable… Mildred lost her life as though she was condemned to death when innocent, just like Jesus,” he said. 

He quoted the Bible where Jesus prepared his disciples for his death with the words: let not your hearts be troubled. 

Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

“This can happen easily when the heart hurts and the mind can’t comprehend,” he said, adding that Mildred was the chosen one. She lived a life of faith and was a loving wife and mother. 

“Let’s hope to change  this tragedy to compassion and love.” 

The driver of the Subaru Impreza, 23-year-old soldier Benjamin Chetcuti, has been charged with involuntary homicide and drink-driving. He denies all charges. 

Alfred and Mildred azzopardi with their four children Janice, Maria Cain and Amy.