A celebration of life for White Rock Coun. Mary-Wade Anderson is to be held Wednesday, July 11 at the White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Ave.
Anderson, 84, died in Peace Arch Hospital June 26, nearly four months after undergoing a procedure to replace a faulty aortic valve. She went into hospital on May 31, after fluid developed around her lungs. About two weeks later, doctors told her that her heart was failing.
The city's flags were lowered to half-staff Wednesday morning.
Anderson – a mother of four, grandmother and great-grandmother – served the city and and its residents for 12 years, often describing local politics as "her lifeblood."
A short tribute will be made at the start of the July 9 council meeting, 7 p.m. at city hall (15322 Buena Vista Ave.).
The public is also invited to the July 11 service, hosted by the City of White Rock, which is set for 2-4 p.m.
City officials are also asking anyone who has photos of the longtime councillor that they would like to share with attendees to bring them to city hall as soon as possible. They may also be emailed – with 'Coun. Anderson' in the subject line – to city clerk, Tracey Arthur, at TArthur@whiterockcity.ca
Arthur said that in addition to photographs, the city is collecting condolences on behalf of Anderson's family, including two children who the senior had only recently reunited with after 50 years.
All submissions will be combined into a scrapbook for them, Arthur said.
Arthur said details for a byelection that must be held to fill Anderson's seat on council will be better-known next week, and finalized by the end of July. She couldn't confirm an exact date yet, but did say the earliest opportunity would be in late October.
At least one person has already indicated that he will be taking a run at the seat. Bruce McWilliam, who ran unsuccessfully in the fall election, emailed Peace Arch News Wednesday afternoon to declare his intent to throw his hat in the ring.