Author of ‘Superwoman’ and ‘Lace’ Passes Away After Lifetime of Literary Success and Advocacy for Maths Education

Dame Shirley Conran, the celebrated British novelist and journalist, has passed away at the age of 91. Her son, designer Jasper Conran, shared the sad news on Instagram, describing her departure with the words, “Shirl girl has flown away, a lark ascending.”

Known for her best-selling books such as Superwoman and Lace, Dame Shirley was a trailblazer in both literature and advocacy. Just last week, she was honoured with a damehood for her contributions to mathematics education, particularly for founding the Maths Anxiety Trust, an achievement she celebrated from her hospital bed in London. Her son also expressed his gratitude for the “wonderful doctors and nurses” at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.

Dame Shirley’s literary career took off after she was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) in her late 30s, which limited her ability to work full-time. In 1975, she wrote Superwoman, a feminist practical guidebook that earned significant acclaim. Her debut novel Lace, published in 1982, went on to become a TV miniseries in the US, starring Bess Armstrong, Brooke Adams, and Arielle Dombasle.

Her other works include Savages, Crimson, and Tiger Eyes, which further cemented her status as a prominent figure in the literary world.

A tribute was paid by former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who appointed Dame Shirley a dame in 2023, acknowledging her as a “life force” and a “dedicated campaigner for maths education.” Sir Kenneth Olisa, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, had the honour of presenting the damehood to Dame Shirley in hospital, where she was surrounded by her family and medical staff.

Dame Shirley’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to writing, advocating for education, and inspiring others through her words and work.