The funeral service for Katie Clerides, who died on Monday at the age of 76 after battling cancer, was held on Wednesday in Nicosia, among relatives, friends, politicians, members of the public and the leadership of Disy, the party her father founded.

Among those present were the former and incumbent presidents of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and Nikos Christodoulides, as well as Disy leader Annita Demetriou, who delivered the eulogy, honouring the memory of Katie Clerides, who had become associated with the struggles for peace and progress in Cyprus.

In her eulogy Demetriou highlighted Clerides’ profound dedication to unity and humanity.

Demetriou described her as “the absolute embodiment” of togetherness, emphasising that she lived “together with people” regardless of their background or beliefs.

She portrayed Clerides as a rare and special individual who transcended political labels and titles, focusing instead on offering help generously and quietly, without seeking attention or applause.

The Disy leader also praised Clerides’ extensive accomplishments and unwavering activism, noting her academic background in sociology, political science and law, alongside a diverse career spanning legal advising, parliamentary work and humanitarian leadership.

Photos: Christos Theodorides

Clerides, she said, fought tirelessly for the vulnerable and marginalised, championing the rights of women, people with disabilities, and those affected by prejudice and violence.

Her greatest aspiration was a reunited Cyprus, and she worked relentlessly to build bridges between communities, embodying “patriotic realism” and uniting people through dialogue and respect.

“She lived a difficult life, but one full of substance, full of small victories of humanity. Kaiti’s life is not measured by positions but by bridges. And the human bridges she built do not collapse. They remain for those who come after them to cross.”

The funeral was held at the church of saints Constantinos and Eleni in Nicosia.

Eulogies were also read out by Katie Clerides’ personal friend and founder of the Cyprus peace and dialogue centre Meltem Onurkan Samani and also personal friend Andia Ioannides Harakis. A poem was recited by her maid of honour Androula Shiati.

Samani said Katie Clerides remained a model for true peace, based on sincerity and human dignity, willing to build understanding where others were only placing rhetoric.

She added that her friend avoided the spotlight and focused on the wellbeing of all Cypriots, the common environment and the innocent beings among us, especially children and animals.

“You gave me hope at a time when many of us, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, had lost our faith after Crans-Montana,” Samani said.

Samani also disclosed that she had visited Katie Clerides in hospital five days before she died. Katie Clerides told her then that she had completed her memoirs and handed them over to the publisher, as well as a children’s book.

Haraki said Katie Clerides was a beacon of hope, resilience and firm devotion to justice. She had been a modest person with a golden heart and always pointed out the values people should respect, Haraki added.

“Unfortunately, her course in this temporary life has been completed. Her spirit and vision will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her,” Haraki said.

In a statement to reporters, Anastasiades said Katie Clerides had “unprecedented courage” in formulating and expressing her views, “irrespective of political cost”.

The funeral was also attended by Akel general secretary Stefanos Stefanou, Deputy Culture Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou, Disy MPs and officers, former Disy leader Averof Neofytou, former government spokesman and current member of the Hellenic Parliament Christos Stylianides, former EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides, former ministers and MPs, representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties, the director of the Glafcos Clerides institute and SEK general secretary Andreas Matsas.

Wreaths were laid by those present and representatives of ministers, party leaders, MPs, Androulla Vasiliou on behalf of former President George Vassiliou, Christos Stylianides on behalf of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, former leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mustafa Akkinci and head of the Republican Turkish Party Fikri Toros.

Disy called for donations to Arodafnousa palliative care centre in Clerides’ memory instead of wreaths. Disy said it would cover all funeral expenses.

On Tuesday, a book of condolences was opened at Disy headquarters in Nicosia.

Katie Clerides, the only child of former President Glafcos 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 an ardent activist for peace, reunification and rapprochement, women’s and children’s rights, and animal welfare.

Since the announcement of her death on Monday, flags at Disy premises have been flying half-mast.

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

Political parties and organisations also expressed their sorrow and extended their condolences to the family.

She was married to Costas Shammas. They had no children.