The end of a generation

My aunt Concetta with grandson Simon, 1966

I give tribute today to my aunt Concetta Micallef who died on Friday November 16 in Malta, aged 97. She was the last of my father’s siblings and outlived all her brothers and sisters by 12 years and more. The 4 brothers and 3 sisters who were born between 1914 and 1928, and were all close to each other and having 19 grandchildren in all, all growing up in St Julian’s in the midst of hardship caused by World War II.  

In 1936, with Concetta standing in the back, my father on her left

My aunt was also my godmother and she was very happy and proud that one of her nephews became a priest, as she always looked forward for my Masses, especially when I was still in my home parish, and whenever I visit Malta. She was a great lady who loved her two sons, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all her nephews and nieces, whom she treated like her own children. We all respected her and adored her patience, her happy attitude in everything she did and her dedication to her passion of sewing, for which everyone admired her. Incidentally she was also my father’s godmother, and now that she is re-united with him and her husband Alfred and her other sisters and brothers, I offer my Masses this week in her memory. And so another generation is gone, and it’s up to us now to continue to imitate the values they worked so hard for. 

2002 - With my family after a memorial Mass, Concetta in front, on my right

Her Obituary as it appeared in the Times of Malta today:
MICALLEF. On November 16, CONCETTA, née Cassar, aged 96, widow of Alfred, passed peacefully away at St Vincent de Paul residence comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her great loss her children Charles and his wife Rose, Joe and his wife Frances, her grandchildren Simon and his wife Sharon, Kenneth and his wife Richies, Shirley and her husband Vincent, Rodney, and Susan, her great-granddaughters Raquel, Tamara and Maria, together with her nephews and nieces, among whom Fr Julian of Oregon, US, other relatives and friends. The funeral leaves St Vincent de Paul residence tomorrow at 7.30am for St Julian’s parish church, where Mass praesente cadavere will be celebrated at 8.15am, followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata cemetery. No flowers by request, but donations to the Monastery of the Poor Clares, St Julian’s, will be greatly appreciated. Lord grant her eternal rest for a life of devotion and dedication to her family.