[Video] B'Kara mourns Mary Fenech Adami as nation pays her tribute

Mary Fenech Adami, the wife of the former President Eddie Fenech Adami, was in a critical condition for six days after suffering a heart attack as she arrived for Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s son’s wedding reception at Girgenti.

Fenech Adami was rushed to hospital under police escort and underwent emergency cardiac surgery. Her condition remained critical until this morning when her situation reportedly degenerated. She passed away yesterday afternoon at 15:05.

Born on October 13, 1933, Mary Sciberras married Eddie Fenech Adami in June 1965 and stood by her husband throughout his entire political career, and is known to have been his driving force throughout.

Former President and Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami, together with his five children John, Beppe, Maria. Michael and Luigi were by her side.

The funeral is to be held on Monday, at 10am, at the Basilica of St Helen, in Birkirkara.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was in contact with Eddie Fenech Adami. "He said that Mary Fenech Adami was a mother of values and moral fibre, who selflessly worked in silent background," a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said. The OPM also cancelled an evening spectacular to be held this evening at Castille.

President George Abela expressed his condolences to Eddie Fenech Adami in a telephone call. "President Abela spoke of the value and sense of love Mrs Mary Fenech Adami had for the Maltese and Gozitans."

Mrs Abela said that Mary Fenech Adami was an "affable and humble woman with a great sense of humanity, who loved the family." Abela said she provided much refuge to the people she helped when she administered the Community Chest Fund.

The Nationalist Party described Mary Fenech Adami as a woman of strong character who represented the entire Maltese nation. "She had a strong and determined character who raised a family of five with all the challenges this brought with it. She was of great support and courage to her husband as Opposition leader in difficult times, when she and her family were attacked inside her house; and when as prime minister Eddie Fenech Adami brought about a revolution as he gave birth to a new country, free and democratic."

The PN also said Fenech Adami had a strong sense of solidarity for others, strong values, and understanding of others' suffering. "As the wife of the President and being responsible for the Community Chest Fund, she helped those most in need and the fruits of her work are witnessed by hundreds of families who benefited from her goodness."

The party said Fenech Adami's death would leave a great void not only in her family but also in the country.

The Labour party and Alternattiva Demokratika expressed their condolences to the Fenech Adami family.

In a statement, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat announced that he is suspending the Labour Party's political activities this Sunday as a sign of respect towards the Fenech Adami family.

"Mary Fenech Adami was known for her generosity and love of her family and community. Our thoughts are with the Fenech Adami family. May Mary Fenech Adami rest in peace," AD chairperson Michael Briguglio said.

In a statement, Union Haddiema Maqghudin said Fenech Adami was a distinct personality who tender to her duties as mother at the centre of the family, and a representative of the nation. "She will always be an exemplary and inspirational model for the Maltese and Gozitan people, as well those who like here lived in the public eye."

A LIFE IN PICTURES