Gran – she was a stunner our Gran. Always smiling and singing the many songs that form an integral part of our childhood. From ‘Tipperary’ to ‘two front teeth’, life was a song. Ironically, for most of her life she was almost tone deaf, becoming the butt of many of our jokes over the years. It was probably due to this factor that she had a very small circle of close friends – her husband, Michael, sister Ariad and brothers Arist and Alfred and their husbands and wives. They travelled together, sang together and played endless rounds of cards together. They were a true gang. Their chemistry was tremendous to watch. New Year’s Eve was theirs to conquer each and every year.
Her life was not easy. Six children to raise, she managed the house’s finances using envelopes to organise her budget. A teacher by profession, this came naturally to her. In her later years, she nursed her ageing mother GranGran till she passed away, never complaining and offering it all up “for my sins” as she would say. Despite her busy schedule, she would always find time for her grandchildren. Rambling on the beach, our first bus ride and karozzin ride – this was Gran’s domain. Times Tables to learn, she would grill us – maths was her forte and she was forever the teacher.
Every Sunday we would gather at her flat in Qui-si-Sana, all 14 grandchildren and her children. Roast potatoes, sausages and imquarrun for everyone each Sunday and 50c pocket money for us from Nannu. In winter, we would gather at Dwejra where they rented a British Nissan Hut. We ran free there, picking narcis and acorns and playing hopscotch with our extended family. She created many of our childhood memories – and we all thought she was the best Gran on earth.
She did the same with our children. There isn’t one she didn’t feed or change. She loved them and they loved her. She was always ready to help, folding socks, cooking, polishing our silver – this was her speciality. When visiting, she would always ask what job I had lined up as otherwise she would feel useless so the chores kept coming. Tea and biscuits came next, a drive to San Pawl il-Bahar followed by a good game of tennis. She never missed a match.
Gran was deeply religious; she walked down to Mass every day, rain or shine sitting in the same spot for decades at Nazzarenu. Our devotion to Sant’ Antnin comes from her – she must have given him lots of money for she was constantly misplacing things and then finding them. Her day ended as it started with the rosary. True to her faith her principles were unwavering. Hard headed, she wouldn’t budge on issues of faith.
Many will remember Mrs De Maria of Qui-si-Sana. Her kitchen table hosted many over the years. She will be sorely missed and leave a gaping hole in our lives. Gran, thank you for being you.
Mikela Fenech Pace