Dame Stella Rimington, the first female director general of MI5, has died aged 90, her family announced. The groundbreaking intelligence chief passed away on Sunday night surrounded by her beloved family and dogs.
Dubbed the "housewife superspy" when she came into the role, Dame Stella is widely credited as the model for Dame Judi Dench's M in the James Bond films. She was born on 13 May 1935 in South Norwood, south London.
Family tribute released
In a statement, her family said she "died surrounded by her beloved family and dogs and determinedly held on to the life she loved until her last breath". Dame Stella's death marks the end of an era for British intelligence services.
Her appointment as MI5's first female director general broke new ground in the traditionally male-dominated world of British intelligence. She served in the role during a pivotal period for the security services.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
