Almost 1,000 people are expected to gather today to mourn the passing of a “dedicated” woman who helped the elderly.

Pastor Daphne Marché, who founded the GRACE organisation, which helps elderly people with day care, died on Sunday, February 15 at the age of 79.

Mrs Marché, of Baxter Road, Edmonton, started the company as a meals on wheels service operating from her kitchen in Edmonton. It now supports hundreds of people and provides free healthcare advice and a place of fellowship for its members.

Montaz Marché, of the GRACE organisation, said: “She was a respected figure in north London, organising community initiatives that donated clothes, children’s toys and household goods to people in need. GRACE organisation also actively engaged with the young people of north London, providing after school singing lessons, classes and summer schools."

In 1998, Mrs Marché was made an MBE for her services to the elderly and Afro-Caribbean community in North London.