Christine Patricia Clark, who has died aged 81, was a housewife, a mother, an active, socially-aware Christian, and an occasional poet. She was born in London in 1934, the daughter of a professional photographer who worked for the Evening News. In 1994 she was awarded the Benemerenti papal medal for her tenure as Grand Dame of the Dames of St Joan, and for her work for various charities including fund-raising for single parents and the elderly. Throughout her life Christine maintained an avid interest in space and space travel, referring to her maternal bump – her son Andy – as Sputnik back in 1957. Her enthusiasm for life (as well as space travel) was infectious and she was able to get a laugh out of almost everyone she met. In 2002, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a period of remission, the cancer recurred in 2013. In 2015 she published a short book of poetry (Poetry of a London Life). Christine is survived by her son, Andy, her stepsons, Gordon and David, and their families. Her other stepson, James (‘Jimmy’) died in 2013.

To all those who visit this page, thanks for your thoughts and wishes. Any donations go to one of Christine’s best-loved causes, the pioneering palliative care centre St Christopher’s Hospice, in South London. Peace and love.