Social activist, actress and widow of actor Christopher Reeve, Dana Reeve, has died of lung cancer at a branch of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering cancer hospital in Los Angeles. She was 44. Reeve, a nonsmoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer in the summer of 2005. When she made her condition public, she vowed to take inspiration from the courage demonstrated by her late husband.

Dana Reeve, née Morosini, began her career in show business as a singer and actress. She met Reeve during a summer theatre season in Williamstown, Massachusetts. After his riding accident in 1995, which left him paralyzed and in pain, she devoted herself fully to his care until his death in October 2004. She worked along side him as he raised awareness and funds through the Christopher Reeve Foundation in order to further research as well as help victims of spinal-cord injuries. After his death, she took over the presidency of the foundation. Her tireless efforts, both during her husband's difficult last years of his life, and afterwards, will always be appreciated.

Reeve is survived by their 13-year-old son, Will, along with two adult stepchildren, Matthew and Alexandra.