Tributes are being paid after Richmond's former deputy Mayor and councillor for East Sheen sadly passed away.

Mona Adams served as a councillor since the 2018 local election, and fought off lung cancer long enough to complete her term as Deputy Mayor, which ended just last week.

Prior to being elected, she had a long involvement with her local community, serving as a school governor for 15 years at Sheen Mount Primary School and for a decade at Sheen School.

She was also a Trustee of the Old Sorting Office Arts Centre in Barnes. She lived in East Sheen for over fifty years along with her husband, Bernard and has two grown-up daughters, Polly and Amy.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council said: “Mona was an absolute delight to call a friend. She was focused, dedicated and fiercely loyal to those who were lucky enough to find themselves under her protection. She was passionate, persuasive and above all fun.

“I recall so very clearly how, within just days of being elected Deputy Mayor and just weeks of being elected a councillor for the first time, Mona was guest of honour at the Twickenham Festival Tug of War in Church Street.

"She absolutely bossed it; no nerves and no shyness just a friendly, commanding presence combined with that broad, joyous, infectious smile that seemed to stretch from Heathfield in the West to Barnes in the East.

“Of course, none of the last year would have been possible without the staunchest support of her husband and consort Bernard who was an absolute rock. As a borough we owe him a debt of thanks for sharing Mona’s final year with us all.

“Mona will be missed; so very, very missed. On behalf of the entire Richmond Council family and, in particular the Liberal Democrat group I would like to express our deepest sympathies to Mona’s family and friends.”

Cllr Paul Hodgins, Leader of Richmond Council’s Conservative Group said:

“It was with great sadness that I heard the news about Cllr Adams. I've known Mona for the last ten years, meeting first through her involvement at Shene School which became RPA, a school that she loved and to which she contributed countless hours over many years.

“I will always remember her for the bright smile and energy she had every time I saw her. It was a great pleasure to see her serving as Deputy Mayor over this last year, and it was a joy to see how much it meant to her to represent our borough. She will be missed.”

Cllr Andrée Frieze, Deputy Leader of Richmond Council’s Green Party Group said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mona Adams. She carried out her role as Deputy Mayor with grace and determination, coupled with a large helping of humour.

“We send our condolences to her family, friends and the residents of East Sheen.”