It is with deep sadness that we have learned from Ordre de Malte France, the relief service of the French Association of the Order of Malta, of the death of our highly esteemed colleague and friend, Anne Broquet.

Anne died on 16 July 2008, aged 60 years, in the ‘Hôpital des Invalides’ in Paris after suffering from cancer for over two years. Although Anne with all her strength and all her energy had done her utmost to fight this malicious sickness, it finally claimed her. But we can now at least know that her suffering is over, and she has rendered her life into the hands of the Lord.

After a military career in aviation, where she held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Anne had worked with Ordre de Malte France since 1997, always actively taking part in, and promoting, the international work of the Order. During the last ten years, she participated in many assigments of ECOM – the predecessor of Malteser International. Her last projects took her to Sri Lanka and India to aid the emergency relief effort Malteser International provided after the tsunami of 2004. Anne was a great supporter of Malteser International and the smooth cooperation between Malteser International and Ordre de Malte France is to a large extent also due to her exemplary commitment.

On 24 January 2008, Anne Broquet was awarded the Order’s highest civilian decoration, the Grand Cross ‘pro merito melitensi’, in recognition of her outstanding commitment and works. She was a dame of the French Legion of Merit, and held the Medal of Merit of Malteser International.

With Anne Broquet, the Order of Malta does not only lose a highly esteemed colleague and important team member, but also a very close friend and compelling example of Christian faith and living. Her death is a great loss to all those who serve the poor and the needy under the sign of the eight-pointed cross.

We will dearly miss and never forget her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.