Mekren’s Bakery has announced the loss of Maria Portelli, who was the grandmother of Matthew and Peter Lee Buttigieg, who currently operate the bakery.

Taking to social media, the team said they were “heartbroken” by Ms Portelli’s passing, and described her as an “integral part of the bakery’s history”.

The family-run business, renowned across Malta and Gozo, specialising in ftira, pizzas, qassatat and bread, will be closed on Thursday afternoon, it added, to mark its respects.

Condolences poured in responding to the news, with clients and family friends extending their sympathies and marking the loss.

“May she rest in peace”.