Nicolette Ghirxi's funeral will be taking place on Saturday at the Church of the Divine Mercy in Naxxar, Ghirxi's family said on Facebook.

They added that the funeral will be taking place at 8:30AM and asked mourners who will be attending to avoid wearing black.

"As we gather together in her honour, we kindly ask that guests avoid wearing black. Nicolette was a vibrant soul who brought energy and colour wherever she went, and so, we ask that guests wear colours to reflect the joy she spread," her family wrote.

Ghirxi was found dead inside her Swatar apartment early on Monday, and was believed to have been murdered by Edward Johnston, whom she had previously been in a relationship with. Johnston was later killed in a standoff with the police as he pointed a replica firearm at the officers.

Ghirxi's family appealed for people to support the fight against violence towards women, and requested for donations to be made to the Women for Women Foundation. They also asked for donations to be sent to animal shelters, as they described Ghirxi as someone who held animals very dear to her heart, having had a dog and four cats which she cared for.