The great and the good of Oxford political life gathered yesterday to celebrate the life of former Lord Mayor Maureen Christian.

Mrs Christian, a respected campaigner whose political career spanned decades, died last month at the age of 82, and was laid to rest at a private service at Oxford Crematorium.

After the family service more than 200 people – including councillors, journalists and MPs who worked with Mrs Christian during her distinguished career – attended a celebration of her life, in the chapel at New College.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, who attended with his wife Val, an Oxfordshire county councillor, said: “She was a very dedicated, vivacious, caring woman, who was passionate in her commitment.

“Meeting her was always a very personal experience. She had a gleam in her eye and would place her hand on your shoulder as she was talking about whatever she was trying to get done.

“We will miss Maureen terribly, but we will also remember that hand on the shoulder and the gleam in her eye – and we will remember what needs to be done.”

Deputy Lord Mayor of Oxford Elise Benjamin said: “Maureen was a very well respected woman, and everyone has made the effort to be here.”

At the ceremony, Mrs Christian’s son John read Matthew Arnold’s Oxford.