I got to know Susan Farrugia Sacco when I was still a little girl, as one of my mother’s closest friends and colleagues.

Later, when I joined the Convent of the Sacred Heart as a teacher in 1993, I was fortunate to get to know Susan myself as a colleague. Some five years later we became even closer because of our husbands’ involvement in sport.

She added balance and humour to the staffroom and was always so eloquent with impeccable English in her comments. Her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the school were exemplary. She was always so positive and loyal.

Her sense of responsibility towards her family was to be greatly admired and she would speak with great love and respect of her husband Lino, sons David and Stevie, and her dear parents, Connie and the late Alfred Laiviera.

She was a woman of substance, a support to her husband on the many official duties they had to carry out together. In a very calm and down to earth way, yet always well groomed, she radiated confidence and enthusiasm, livening up the gathering with her quips. She was never lost for words in whatever circle we may have been, both locally and abroad.

We were not ready to let her go but we have to accept that God wanted her with Him. Her funeral Mass with the packed church and parvis was a tribute to this special woman who was called to meet the Lord at such a young age. While the Sacred Heart choir sang beautiful hymns, I could almost hear her say to the congregation: “Come on girls, sing!” as she would do on the many occasions she led the Mass at school. What a void we now have!

The Sacred Heart community has, in the past two-and-a-half years, lost three pillars: Sr Gisa Zammit, Mrs Connie Fenech and now Mrs Susan Farrugia Sacco. Their absence is undoubtedly felt, but may the beautiful legacy they have left behind be carried forward for years and years to come. All deeply spiritual women, their dedication and commitment have enriched many whom they have taught or worked with.

Karen Mugliett

Tarxien