Burnham and Highbridge’s Mayor has paid tribute to a former town and district councillor for Burnham-On-Sea who has passed away following a battle with cancer.
Cllr Katie Lawson, 50, passed away peacefully on Wednesday 17th July in Weston Hospice in the presence of her family. Her funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church in Berrow this Friday at 2pm.
She had served as Sedgemoor District Councillor for Burnham Central from 2011-2015 and as Burnham and Highbridge Town Councillor for Burnham East for the same period and, after a boundary change, for Burnham Central from 2015-2019.
Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Cllr Andy Brewer has paid tribute to her, saying: “Katie Lawson was elected to Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council in 2011 and served for eight years, being re-elected in 2015.”
“She took her role as a Town Councillor very seriously and had a particular concern for youth work in Burnham and Highbridge and was a leading figure with the Youth Town Council. She also actively supported and promoted Dementia awareness within our towns.”
“Katie was respected for her commitment as a Town Councillor and on behalf of the Town Council I wish to pass on our sincere condolences to her family.”
Fellow Town Councillor for the same ward, Phil Harvey, has also paid led tribute to her, saying: “I first met Katie when we were both selected as Liberal Democrat candidates early in 2011. She was enthusiastic and soon became an excellent canvasser – thoroughly deserving to win her District and Town seats in that year.”
“She gained a reputation as a conscientious Councillor who researched topics thoroughly and who spoke with conviction and passion at Council. She had a background as a Youth Worker and was particularly interested in youth issues.”
“Latterly she was employed as a Care Worker which brought an added dimension to her Council work.”
“Katie became ill last year but continued to attend Council meetings and carry out her duties. She had recently celebrated her 50th birthday with a party for friends and family.”
“Although seriously ill she remained optimistic and only ten days ago came round to see me. However she deteriorated rapidly last week and was admitted to Weston Hospice where she died within a few days.”
“Katie leaves a partner, Stephen, a daughter, sons and grandchildren – to all of whom she was devoted. She will be sadly missed.”
