Isabelle Micallef, Co-Owner of Copyclub Stationery and Photocopy Bureau, located close to University of Malta, has passed away.

The announcement was made by former Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil on Monday, who noted that Ms Micallef, known by many as Bella, left a “special mark” in his life, ever since his days as a student.

Copyclub opened its doors in the late 1980s, and was the first stationery and photocopy bureau in the area, and Ms Micallef ran the store together with Bartholomeo Micallef from 1986 onwards.

“Larger than life, with a voice that towered over everyone, ever in control, ever laughing, ever helpful, Bella was always there, in her shop and in our life,” Dr Busuttil said.

Copyclub's Isabelle Micallef / Simon Busuttil / Facebook

“Not a single day went by without an excuse to go to her, to learn about the university of life, never mind the photocopies. Her lessons in life left an impact on generations of students that university professors can only dream of,” he added, before thanking her for making many people’s lives “so beautiful” and sending her family his “deepest sorrow”.

The news was met with various comments from people offer their condolences, with some recalling her “booming voice” and noting that she was a “lovely woman, inside out”.

In an interview with The People of Malta back in 2017, she described herself as a "loud", "funny", and "positive" person, that when faced with difficult moments, always tries to "maintain a positive attitude".