Widow of former French president Pompidou dies

PARIS, July 3 (Reuters) Claude Pompidou, widow of the late French president Georges Pompidou, died today aged 94, her foundation said.

President Nicolas Sarkozy led tributes to the former first lady, saying she was greatly respected by the French people.

''France has lost a great lady,'' Sarkozy said during a visit to the southern port city of Marseille.

Her death was announced by the Claude Pompidou Foundation in Paris, an organisation she set up to help the elderly, the sick and handicapped children.

Georges Pompidou served as Prime Minister under President Charles de Gaulle and succeeded him as President from 1969 until his death in 1974.

He also acted as mentor to fellow conservative Jacques Chirac, who stepped down as French head of state in May.

REUTERS PD RK2052