Katie Clerides Dies Aged 76

Disy said flags at party premises were flying half-mast and that the party would be covering all funeral expenses.

Later on Monday, President Nikos Christodoulides described her as a “prominent figure in public life, who left an indelible mark on Cypriot society through her work”. 

“With a spirit of service and social sensitivity, she contributed substantially both through her actions in political life and through her multidimensional charitable activities,” he said.

He added that she “left behind a body of work characterised by hard work and genuine love for her fellow human”.

“She was one of the first women to claim an active role in politics, paving the way with her example. Her presence and contribution will remain a point of reference for those who believe in the power of social solidarity and public responsibility,” he said, before offering “sincere condolences” to her family.

Katie Clerides was born in London on May 10, 1949. She spoke four languages – English, Greek, German and French – and studied sociology and law in London, and political science in New York.

Her career spanned four decades and included being elected municipal councillor in 1986 and three terms as Disy MP starting in 1991.

She was inter alia an ardent activist for peace, reunification and rapprochement, women’s and children’s rights, and animal welfare.