Born in St. Helier, Jersey on 31st October, 1931, Daphne Minihare was educated at Convent FCJ. Most of her education was during the German Occupation and after the war, there was no possibility of going to University. Daphne gained secretarial qualifications and for a short while worked in the National Provincial Bank in Jersey, as private secretary to the Manager; within two years she was offered a position as Private Secretary to the Director of the Bank at Head Office in London. This was declined as Daphne had a hankering for travel and was fascinated by the opportunity presented in the Services.

In 1954, Daphne was accepted to train for Commission in the WRAF. She was the top cadet and on graduation was awarded the Sash of Honour. Married to an RAF Officer in 1957, she and her husband have three children and six grandchildren.

For the past 55 years Daphne has worked with many Charities including the Jersey Guides Association, the Association of Jersey Charities (founded by the Late Lord Louis Mountbatten and Sir William Butlin) of which she was the first Lady Chairman, and first lady Chairman and Director of the Jersey Samaritans. Daphne also chaired the Little Sisters of the Poor Fundraising Committee and the League of Friends of the Jersey Group of Hospitals. She was a Founder Member and Chairman of Causeway House, Home for Homeless Women as well as "Roseneath", Home for Homeless Men and the Jersey Aids Relief Group.

Daphne's present commitments include being the Founder Chairman of Age Concern Jersey and the Senior Citizens' Association. She is also Chairman of St. Thomas' Church Restoration Appeal and a member of the CAFOD Committee. Daphne has travelled extensively and has visited India on three separate occasions to carry out voluntary work.

In 1974, Daphne was awarded an MBE for Services to the Community and awarded Lions Club of Jersey Community Service Award in 1991. In 2002, Daphne was chosen by members of the public and the Jersey Heritage Trust Portrait Commission to be “immortalized on canvas.” Her portrait is exhibited in the Jersey Museum.

In June 2007 Daphne was made a Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, one of the highest honours in the Catholic Church and awarded to very few women. This Award has been made by Pope Benedict XV1 for her services to the Catholic Church and in the wider community.