On 8th April we got a visit from Marion and Edgar Causon. I had phoned them up after our arrival as we had mutual Dutch friends. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Both were very much interested in my research. From then on I was always welcome at their home in Paola. We laughed a lot together. I always felt at home there.
Some day I started talking about some remarkable experience as soon as I entered their door (In many Maltese homes the door is always open). When I arrived in the kitchen I realized, however, I had entered the wrong home. The neighbours were much surprised. Later we laughed our heads off.
As a researcher often you cannot show the back of your tongue. With the Causons I could relax and should not always be on guard. I am still grateful to them.
Edgar was Manager of the Lybian Trade Co in those days and I quite often visited him in his office in Floriana, where I was always treated to a cup of tea by his cheerful secretary Doris. Edgar soon introduced me to his cousin Emmanuel Attard Bezzina, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Marion and her sisters Josephine, Connie and Polly were very keen Catholics and liked to discuss the many priests and feasts on the islands. For me very valuable information.
Later Edgar would read later read several of my research reports and I thoroughly appreciated his comments. I was rather sceptical about his countrymen. I remember him saying: ‘Independent intellectuals over here are either shouted down or ignored’.
During my first visit after Edgar’s death Marion took me to his grave at the Addolorata Cemetary.
Marion Causon, nee Frendo (1935-2020) made us feel most welcome in her Paola homes in Sannat Street, later Palm Street and in recent years in the apartment which she shared with her dear twin sister Josephine.
As far as I remember I always made it a point to visit her during the first evening of my stay. She had a great sense of humour and a catchy laugh. I always enjoyed thoroughly myself with dear Marion and her family.
During my visit to Malta in December 1919 I went to see her in Mater Dei and Karen Grech hospitals.
It was difficult to say goodbye as I had a hunch it might be our last goodbye.
Josephine / Guiseppina Frendo (1935-2026) survived her twin sister. She was a teacher and, when I dirst met her, a headmistress. We often met at the Causon residence in Paola. Her ‘hobby’ was the church and she knew ‘everything’ about religious ceremonies and also quite a few members of the clergy.
She had a great sense of humour and Marion, her other sister Connie and Josephine laughed a lot.
When, after Edgar’s death, Marion moved in with her at Paola square, it was always a treat for me to visit the two of them during my stays in Malta. After the death of dear Marion I still liked to spend some time at Josephine’s.
My last visit to her was on 27th April 2026 and she was very much alive and kicking. She told me she had not yet acquired a small fridge magnet image of the new pope, but she wanted to get one as soon as possible
I will remember her as a kind-hearted women. She’ll be an asset to heaven. Bye dear Josephine.
(originally posted on Facebook, 3rd March 2020, 11th April 2023 and 3rd June 2026)