BORN in Tokyo in 1933, the Japanese artist was the woman who changed John's outlook on life.Yoko's family moved to New York when she was 14.
She later gained a solid reputation for devising and creating original films, poems and events. It was at one such event that she met John Lennon
She married John in 1969 in Gibraltar and contributed vocals for the Plastic Ono Band as well as appearing on his album covers and being an overall inspirational guiding light for the former Beatle.
Her book - Grapefruit - also inspired John's world famous hit Imagine.
Yoko and John split in 1974 but were reunited a year later. Both John and Yoko had children from previous relationships but the couple were delighted when baby son Sean Lennon came along.
After John's assassination outside his home they shared in New York, Yoko looked after his unreleased material. She brought Sean to Liverpool, to see where John had lived.
Yoko remains in full control of the Lennon estate. She keeps in touch with Strawberry Fields each year and her role in the life of John is significant both artistically and personally.
She was given an honorary degree in July from Liverpool's John Moores University and is said to be delighted with the recognition.
