Tributes were this week paid to a former Fife councillor who passed away on Monday, aged 85.
Edith McFee was a councillor for 21 years, representing Newport, Tayport and Wormit. Born in Dundee, she was brought up in Newport and educated at Harris Academy before moving to Wormit with her late husband Douglas, a draughtsman, and daughter Tracey, now a dentist.
Among the local issues she fought for was the retention of Netherlea Hospital, in Newport, when there were fears it might close. She also battled against the testing of a genetically modified crop near Newport and for a secondary school for the north of Fife.
It was the demolition of the old Wormit Primary School, which she wanted to be used as a community centre, that inspired Mrs McFee to become involved in politics.
Former colleagues of the Liberal Democrat have spoken of her hard work and popularity.
North East Fife MSP Iain Smith was her election agent when Mrs McFee won the Newport and Tayport seat on Fife Regional Council in a by-election in 1982.
He said, “Edith was a tireless campaigner for her local community. She had a particular interest in the health and wellbeing of older residents, and was a strong supporter of Netherlea Hospital and St Serf’s Home.
“She was deeply loved and respected by her constituents and will be sorely missed, not least by her daughter and grandchildren.”
Tim Brett, her successor in the Newport and Wormit ward of Fife Council after she retired in 2003, said he was saddened to hear of her death.Community”Edith was always regarded as someone who took a particular pride in standing up for her local community,” he said. “She was very much a local member who fought for all of her constituents whatever the issue was, and I think that is how she will be remembered.”
Newport, Wormit and Forgan Community Council secretary Kate Legg, who served on the community council with Mrs McFee and canvassed with her when she stood for election, described her as an active councillor.
She said, “She was a very well-respected and well-liked councillor who would go out of her way to help people. She was a very well-known face in Newport and Wormit.
“Along with her husband Doug she worked tirelessly for the Liberal Party, as it was in those days.”
Before becoming a councillor Mrs McFee worked as a market researcher and a milliner in Draffens, Dundee. She was also the founder of the Maude Pilkington Trust which assists people in the Newport, Wormit, Gauldry and Balmerino area.
In retirement, she enjoyed tending her garden and caring for her cats. Latterly she was a resident in St Andrews House Care Home.
She is survived by Tracey, son-in-law Rodney and grandchildren Scott and Suzie.