Family, friends and the Elkhart community as a whole is mourning the loss of longtime city councilwoman Mary Olson.

She passed away on Monday, Aug. 23, after an illness.

Mary was a member of the Elkhart City Council for more than 20 years.

Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson issued the following statement:

“Mary was a consummate public servant. She was a champion of causes she believed in and worked hard to rally support from her fellow council members and the administration. It was an honor and privilege to work alongside her on council and again since I’ve been mayor. While Mary was ill, we maintained hope she would once again grace Council Chambers with her thoughtful comments and steady deliberation. She will be missed. My thoughts are with her husband, David, and her family.”