Liberty Bell

Dana Reeve, wife of Superman actor Christopher Reeve, died of lung cancer on March 6, 2006. She is survived by her 13-year-old son, Will; her father, Charles Morosini; two sisters, Deborah Morosini and Adrienne Morosini Heilman; and her late husband’s two grown children, Matthew and Alexandra Reeve.

Dana was an activist, actress, singer, motivational speaker and published author. But she was also a dedicated, loving wife and mother. Christopher Reeve credited Dana for pulling him out of depression, after a horse-riding accident left Christopher a quadriplegic. Together, they worked to form the Christopher Reeve Foundation and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center.

Although a non-smoker, Dana was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005. On August 9, 2005, at the age of 44, Reeve made her announcment saying: “Now, more than ever, I feel Chris with me as I face this challenge. As always, I look to him as the ultimate example of defying the odds with strength, courage, and hope in the face of life’s adversities.”

Tributes to Dana Reeve

In the Gloaming
Sung by Dana Reeve at the end of Christopher Reeve’s directorial debut from the film of the same title.

In the gloaming, oh my darling,
When the lights are dim and low,
And the quiet shadows falling,
Softly come, and softly go.

When the winds are sobbing faintly,
With a gentle lull of woe,
Will you think of me and love me,
As you did once long ago?

In the gloaming, oh my darling,
Think not bitterly of me,
Though I passed away in silence,
Left you lonely, set you free.

For my heart was crushed with longing,
What had been could never be,
It was best to leave you thus dear,
Best for you, and best for me.