A correspondent writes:

MARY McKIE, widow of the Rt Revd John McKie, a former Assistant Bishop of Coventry, has died, aged 82.

Born in Australia, like her husband, Mrs McKie travelled to Britain with her family in 1960 - two years before the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral - after he was invited by the then Bishop of Coventry, Cuthbert Bardsley, to become his assistant.

Her husband was also Rector of Berkswell, and then Vicar of the tiny parish of Great and Little Packington until 1981, when he retired. He died in 1994.

Mary McKie gave strong support to her husband in his diocesan and local church duties, and was well liked for being a charming and generous hostess at events.

She leaves four daughters, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.