Holyrood’s presiding officer led the tributes to former Levenmouth councillor Joyce Smith who died on Thursday, aged 78.
Describing her as “a good woman and stalwart”, Tricia Marwick said Ms Smith would be sadly missed by all who knew her.
In 1992 Ms Smith, who had been a Labour party supporter since the age of 16, left her job as a trade union stewards convener to take up a post as a Fife councillor representing the wards of Mountfleurie, Kirkland, Methil North and Methilhill.
She held her position until the age of 70 when she retired due to ill health.
Ms Smith served on the education and social work committees and also represented Cosla on ScotVec for many years, which saw her become the first fellow of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
When she retired she told The Courier it had been “an absolute privilege” to represent the people of Levenmouth.
“If you can help them overcome any difficulty – council related or not – it gives you a tremendous sense of satisfaction,” she said.
Paying tribute to the former weaver and shop steward, Mrs Marwick said: “Joyce worked very hard for her community and was a very kind and honest person.
“Throughout my time as an MSP she was a good supporter of mine and I always appreciated her kind words and valuable advice to me over the years.”
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown also paid tribute to Ms Smith, describing her as “a loyal friend who made a massive contribution to public life in Fife”.
“This was not just as a local councillor but as a champion of education for all Fife’s children,” he said.