Last week, the island’s theatre scene lost an icon – seamstress Connie Schembri. Connie, 79, became Malta’s 34th COVID-related death after a swab test was done post-mortem, confirming she was indeed positive for the virus. Connie’s family has since shared touching and heart-breaking tribute posts in honour of the woman they beloved so much.
“I could never do anything wrong in your eyes! You were always so proud of us and we knew it,” says Godwin, one of Connie’s sons. “You thought me to be fun loving, enjoy life but to respect others. You had so much positive energy that I have never known you to be sad. You taught me to work hard and be proud of my work by your example in the costumes, dresses, and wedding gowns you have sewn.”
“I will miss you dearly Ma but I find solace in the fact that you can now rest in peace close to your Mum and Dad whom you missed so dearly. Grazzi Ma, inhobbok hafna!”
Well-known producer and actress (who also happens to be Connie’s close relative), Josette Ciappara shared a touching tribute to the women who held her and her daughter in a special place in her heart. “I remember her babysitting Marta in her early years. Every day I’d take her she’d come home wearing a different dress that she would have sewn in a blink of an eye!” Josette fondly remembers.
“From the first time I met her she was of great support. She was much more than a seamstress, she was a great friend, and part of the family.” Josette says she will be remembered by all. “Rest in peace, dear one.”
Marta also penned a touching tribute published on Times of Malta to “Aunty Connie,” sharing irreplaceable memories. “Connie Schembri wasn’t my aunty, we had no blood relation. She was a dedicated seamstress with an eye for detail who was renowned for making the impossible possible. Aunty Connie dressed all of Malta’s theatre giants and that’s how she and my mother became great friends. Her delicate hands sewed some of our lives’ most iconic garments. including my mother’s wedding and bridesmaid dresses as well as all my childhood carnival costumes (a different one for every day of carnival).” Aunty Connie was the one who instilled the love for theatre in Marta’s heart.
Marta shared that unfortunately, she was “hastily buried” two days after her death “without a coffin or body there. She was not even present at her own funeral, neither was her husband as he has tested positive too. Both were residents at the St Joseph residence.” She also noted that all COVID-19 victims, as well as her Aunty Connie, “deserve so much better than this,” and that “human lives do not become less valuable because they age.”
“The world will miss your warm smile, kind eyes, open heart and gentle spirit. I will dedicate my first edition as artistic director of Żigużajg International Arts Festival for Children & Young People in your memory. Thank you for being such an important part of our lives, the honour was ours.”