Antoinette Frendo p.e.p., a member of the St George’s Parish in Victoria, who was a renowned Gozitan philanthropist and Directory member of the Catholic Action in Gozo, sadly passed away this weekend surrounded by her son and daughters and numerous relatives. Aged 86, she passed on to eternal life at her home, comforted by the rites of the Holy Church.

Born on May 31, 1926, Antoinette née Camilleri came from a family of twelve children, amongst them Rev. Bonaventure Maria Camilleri OFM Conv, a brilliant theologian and provincial minister of his religious order. She leaves to mourn her great loss, her beloved son and four daughters: Rev. George Joseph and Dr Maria Frendo, director and leader of the Laudate Pueri Choir respectively; Joy and Antoinette, both members of the Choir; and Elizabeth. Amongst her many nephews is Rev. Joseph Mercieca.

Antoinette was involved in the Catholic Action since its inception on the island in 1933, and has also been a long serving committee member of the Friends of the Sick and Elderly in Gozo. She remains alive in the memory of many for her prompt aid to the sick and needy.

A teacher for many years (1947-1956), Mrs Frendo was a good example of how a good educator should be. She also did her utmost to help with the needs of the sick in Gozo and was considered as one of the key figures in the Secretariat for Social Assistance.

Antoinette was also active in organising parish pilgrimages to Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary and also social outings for elderly persons to Malta. In 1983 she was the co-founder and first president of the Ladies Society of St George’s Basilica, which organised regular fund-raising events to help the parish financially. In the parish she also served on the social committee. She was also a great helper in the Dames of the Seminary and a frequent visitor of the Blessed Sacrament at the Savina church of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.

Together with her husband George, in 1979 she was awarded the Qalb tad-Deheb by the Cana Movement in Gozo, and in 1995 she was also presented with the national award to the Elderly Person of the Year. Last August, Antoinette was vested with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

A music lover and a great devotee of the Most Divine Mercy, Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu and St George, Antoinette will be missed by many. St George’s Parsh said, “she was, quite simply, a wonderful woman!”

Her funeral will be held at St George’s Basilica, Victoria on Monday afternoon, leaving her residence at 72 Vajringa Street at 4.40pm for Saint George’s Basilica where Mass præsente cadavere will be said at 5.00pm, followed by interment in the family grave at Santa Maria Cemetery, Victoria.

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