TRIBUTES have been paid to a "devoted community servant" and former Flintshire County Councillor, Veronica Gay.
Cllr Gay represented the people of Flintshire for years, through her 10 years of service with Flintshire County Council, or through many years of representing on Saltney and Broughton councils.
Cllr Gay had a huge part to play in the community in Saltney and was integral in the survival of St David's School.
Following her sad passing last week, tributes have poured in to remember a "remarkable figure" in the Saltney community.
A celebration of her life has been organised on Thursday, November 21 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at the Douglas Place Community Centre in Saltney.
A spokesperson for Saltney Town Council said: "Saltney Town Council are saddened by the recent passing of Councillor Veronica Gay.
"Councillor Gay became a Flintshire County Councillor and Saltney Town Councillor in 2008. Having served and supported the Saltney community and its people, tirelessly and with passion, she championed and supported many local community groups.
"She was excellent at problem solving and understanding the needs of the community she represented. She worked with local people, voluntary and community organisations, to help shape the future of Saltney, building strong community relationships and encouraging people to get involved and share their views and ideas.
"A stickler for strategies, policies and plans to help achieve a better vision for the people of Saltney was one of her priorities. She always strived to support the local community in order to help deliver the local priorities.
"Councillor Gay was feisty, determined, and she cared for her local community."
Steve Richardson, headteacher at St David's School, Saltney added: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Veronica Gay, a remarkable figure in our community and a true friend to St David's High School.
"Veronica’s unwavering dedication and spirit were instrumental in the recent consultation for education in the Saltney / Broughton area. She advocated tirelessly, embodying a fierce commitment to the education and wellbeing of young people in the Saltney area. Her passion, strength, and compassion left an indelible mark on those around her.
"As a devoted community servant, Veronica dedicated herself to making Saltney a better place for everyone. She was true champion of our school but her efforts went beyond her work with St David’s; she enriched our community.
"On behalf of everyone at St David’s High School, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Veronica’s family and friends."
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Leader of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Dave Hughes, said: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former County Councillor, Veronica Gay.
"Veronica was an active member of Flintshire County Council, serving the Saltney Stonebridge Ward for 14 years between 2008 and 2022. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”
Cllr Chrissy Gee, Chair of Broughton and Bretton Community Council said: "Cllr Veronica Gay was one of a kind, truly dedicated to the community she served, both in Saltney and in recent years Broughton and Bretton.
"We first met two and a half years ago when I was standing for election. She very quickly took me under her wing and supported me all the way. I remember asking her for advice and she said, 'always ask questions, and never give up however hard it gets'.
"She was a passionate councillor and her determination to make life a better place for the residents never faltered."
A spokesperson for Saltney Town FC said: "The club are saddened to hear the news that Councillor Veronica Gay had passed away.
"Councillor Gay was a local stalwart and has always been a huge ambassador for the club, where her contribution and support over the years has undoubtedly helped shape what the club has become today.
"Our condolences go out to Cllr Gay's family and friends at this sad time."
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