SOS Malta founding member Lilian Miceli Farrugia has died aged 98, the NGO shared on Friday.

SOS Malta was founded in 1991, at which time she became a member, and also served as its first Chairperson. The organisation was established to address the hunger and poverty-stricken Albanians that reached Malta during the early nineties, including the provision of humanitarian aid and emergency food supplies. It has since grown to become a development agency providing long-term social, economic, and political development for the people of Albania.

“Lilian was a model of love, compassion, and generosity. Her mission in life was one that made a difference in the lives of so many people,” the NGO said.

“SOS Malta is grateful for her leadership for truth and justice. Your legacy within the organisation will live on,” it added.

The news was met with a number of people expressing their sadness online, with some calling her a "one of a kind" woman, remembering her for her "fondness" and "helpful" nature.

SOS Malta CEO Claudia Taylor-East remarked that it was a privilege to work with Ms Miceli Farrugia “for so many years”. She described her as being devoted to her mission driven by “dignity, integrity, and the love of others”.

“Spread your wings and fly proudly. Your memories shall live on,” Ms Taylor-East added.

Ms Miceli Farrugia was married to leading Maltese entrepreneur and former Farsons Managing Director Anthony Miceli-Farrugia, and aside from raising their six children, she was also involved in the social and philanthropic activities of her husband’s entrepreneurial ventures.

She was also involved in a number of her own philanthropic pursuits, including being hand-picked by Mother Teresa of Calcutta to lead her co-workers during her first visit to Malta in 1967. She also worked with Mother Teresa to build a school for children with special needs in Albania. In 1999, Ms Miceli Farrugia was voted Malta’s Senior Citizen of the Year.