Tributes have been paid following the death of Sylvia Russell, a stalwart of local government, on Sunday (December 8).

The long-standing Conservative councillor and former mayor served on Teignmouth Town Council for 43 years. She was also a Teignbridge District councillor and Devon County councillor.

Her death comes just a couple of months after the loss of her husband, Bill, who passed away in September.

Earlier this year, Sylvia was honoured as the first, and only, ‘freeman’ of Teignmouth in recognition of 43 years of ‘eminent, valuable, devoted and continuous service’ to Teignmouth Town Council.

A passionate and formidable force to be reckoned with, particularly when standing up and fighting for the town, Sylvia is also described as being kind, supportive and respected despite any political differences.

Colleagues from across Devon have paid tribute to Sylvia with friend, Viv Wilson, describing her as ‘one of a kind’ and ‘a champion of Teignmouth’.

Teignmouth town councillor and fellow Conservative Robert Phipps expressed sadness at the passing of ‘one of the most influential characters to every grace the halls of our local government’.

She was ‘someone who always put Teignmouth first’, he added. ‘A strong, but fair, champion for many a good cause. We will never see the like of her again.’

Richard Keeling, leader of Teignbridge District Council, recalled Sylvia as ‘a dedicated public servant with a wealth of experience’.

‘Sylvia served as chair of Teignbridge District Council in 2009/10 and as Mayor of Teignmouth, a town she loved and was committed to championing. On behalf of all of us at Teignbridge District Council, I would like to send sincere condolences to Sylvia’s loved ones at this sad time.’

Fellow Tory, former Mayor of Dawlish Ros Prowse, served on Teignbridge District Council with Sylvia for many years.

She said: ‘Sylvia was involved in local government for 45 years.

‘She was what a councillor should be.

‘She was a strong Conservative, always available, and as a councillor fought for the things she believed in and doing everything she could for the best for Teignmouth.

‘She was a strong lady with strong beliefs and committed to her community, standing up for what was right.

‘It was a privilege to work with her.’

Teignmouth Mayor Councillor Cate Williams said: ‘Sylvia adored Teignmouth and was a stalwart supporter in her role as a Town Councillor, Town Mayor and through her roles as a District and County Councillor.

Cate, along with many other current and former town councillors, recalled how Sylvia was always keen to share her extensive knowledge of local politics and guide those who were new to their role, whatever their party politics.

‘Her wisdom, sense of humour, determination to ‘get the job done’ knew no bounds,’ Cate recalled.

‘Sylvia will be very much missed and remembered by those left at Teignmouth Town Council with upmost appreciation for all that she provided through her devoted service to the town.

‘On behalf of Teignmouth Town Council, we send our condolences to Sylvia’s family,’ Cate added.

County Councillor for Exminster Alan Connett worked with Sylvia for many years on the authority.

He remembered: ‘Apart from her long service as a councillor, Sylvia was also Chairman of the Exeter and District Community Health Service Trust and a lead figure to secure investment for new hospitals - Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Tiverton, and Okehampton.

‘The trust also embraced mental health services including those based at Langdon in Dawlish.

‘She was a force to be reckoned with when standing up for health services, and was not afraid to challenge health ministers - if she felt the local area needed support. I worked with Sylvia during her time in the NHS, she fought hard for services and was hugely supportive of staff, often ‘popping in’ to visit and see how things were going. Her death is a great loss.’