Christine Villa of Mr Villa's in Barry has passed away

Christine who was the owner of ‘Mr Villa’s Restaurant’ in the Knap passed away peacefully on Sunday the 22 of September surrounded by her family.

Christine and her husband Guiseppe (Image: Sara Criddle) Christine was born on the 11th of July 1945, eldest daughter to Joan and Phillip Mulligan, sister to Stephen and Elizabeth Mulligan. She attended Barry Girls Grammar School where she made friends who remained with her throughout her life.

At a very young age she had a flare for cooking, after finishing college she worked in the Hilton Hotel London, and then onto Brighton where she met her husband and lifetime soulmate, Guiseppe Villa. They married and made their home in the Vale of Glamorgan, having two daughters, Sara and Adriana Villa.

With energy and passion, that characterised Christine, they opened a number of restaurants : Windsor Lodge, Colhugh Villa, West House Hotel, Mulligans, Italian Joe’s, Rock and Fountain, events and Fonmon Castle, Outside Chattering and finally Mr Villas. It could be said that Christine together with Guiseppe brought fine dining to South Wales.

Mr Villa's in Barry (Image: Sara Criddle)

Christine was a devoted wife and wonderful mother. She spent many years fundraising for her daughter Adriana’s special needs school.

Her daughter Sara Criddle said the following: “We want to celebrate her life, she worked all her life and carried on working right up until she passed away, she was well liked and loved by many people in the area.”

“She was a remarkable person, with much energy and despite setbacks she carried on with charm, determination and a huge zest for life!”

The community has been moved by Christine’s passing.

In a post online one person commented: “We were very saddened to hear of Christine’s passing. She was a remarkable lady and had a lovely personality. I used to love seeing her in the restaurant and we had lovely conversations and “Strictly which we both shared a passion for! She will be deeply missed but her legacy’ will last an eternity. Thinking of you all at this very sad and sending lots of love to you all xxxxxx”

Another wrote: “Sorry for your loss. Condolences to family and friends.”

Another said: “A fabulous lady and a legend.”

Mr Villas is business as usual, as that is what she wanted, manager Rebecca, daughter Sara, son in law Ross and grandsons Freddie and Louis and the team will carry on her legacy and make her proud!

The funeral will be on Monday, 21 October at 1:30pm at St Helens Roman Catholic Church, Wyndham Street followed by committal at Cardiff and Glamorgan Memorial Park, Port Road at 3pm.