On Thursday 17 February, the Zejtun community paid its last respects to Doris Brincat. Doris was the eldest child of four in the Gafa` family. In her youth she began to participate in social activities, primarily by helping the Sisters of the Holy Spirit. Doris was the widow of Toni Brincat who sadly passed away last year on 16 January. Together with her husband Toni, she spent years living in Gozo due to his work commitments in the Police Force.

Doris spent her free time taking part in social activities, mostly with people with a disability. Even in her last days, despite suffering from a serious illness, she continued to offer her assistance to Id Dar tal-Providenza of Siggiewi. Doris was also an active member of the group “Spred”; every month she used to be responsible for a child from Zejtun, offering voluntary fostering services. It was normal for her to help others, especially neighbours and the elderly. In fact, some residents of Gozo remember Doris and Toni as the Brincat couple of Zejtun.

Her outstanding talent was creative sewing, which gave her the opportunity to work voluntarily with the local band club Ghaqda Banda Zejtun for more than 20 years in Carnival competitions. Together with her husband Toni, she organised a talent contest for new singers called “Ilhna Novelli” at the Pandora Theatre. This same competition is going to be held once again on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March.

Doris was an inspirational example for many other women. In the last 16 years, she worked in the sub-committee for family and community in the Zejtun Local Council for which I am responsible. She was a very active member, always giving her output with great respect and simplicity. With her joyous smile she used to encourage others to do the same. Doris was always present for the numerous activities that this sub-committee organised. Several elderly people from Zejtun, both from St Vincent de Paule Residence and also from the Zejtun Home for the Elderly remember Doris when she used to visit them with the sub-committee.

These outstanding altruistic qualities of Doris will surely remain in our mind and heart. At her funeral mass, Fr Eric Overend described Doris as a very special person for the Zejtun community due to her voluntary, philanthropic, cultural and social work that she undertook with great enthusiasm. In 2009, she was awarded the “Gieh iz-Zejtun” by Zejtun Local Council, an award she really and truly deserved.

The sub-committee for family and community have lost a true friend. She will surely remain in the heart of all those who knew her.

Doris, thanks for everything; at this moment I’m sure that you’re enjoying your loved ones − God and your husband Toni.

Joan Agius

Vice-Mayor