Patsy Gilroy was a councillor for 19 years, representing the Dee and Glenkens area, from 1999-2018.
And during that time she was also the first female convenor of the local authority, holding the role from 2007-12.
After giving up her council duties, Mrs Gilroy was appointed as the Lord Lieutenant for the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright in 2018, replacing Sir Malcom Ross.
Her death was announced earlier today and has been met with sadness across the region.
Current council leader Dr Elaine Murray paid tribute and said: “I offer my sincere condolences to Patsy’s family and the community of all of Dumfries and Galloway. Patsy was a tremendous public servant.”
