Former Waterloo Mayor Lynne Woolstencroft has died after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Her husband Peter Woolstencroft confirmed to CBC News that she died Monday morning. She was 69.

"Anybody who ... knew Lynne knew that she had an extraordinary passion for people and a community," said Peter Woolstencroft.

Waterloo Regional Chair Ken Seiling remembers the former mayor fondly.

"From the time she arrived until right up to the very end, she was always interested in the community and what she could do for it. Particularly on the environmental front," Seiling said.

"She was a very caring, compassionate person who listened to people, was interested in their thoughts and views and I think served as an excellent role model in this community as somebody who would listen."

Woolstencroft served as Waterloo mayor from 2000 to 2003. She was first elected to a Waterloo city council in 1985, and served there until 1991. She also served on regional council from 1986 to 1991, and returned for a second stint as regional councillor from 1997 to 2000.

Flags at all City of Waterloo facilities are flying at half-mast. A memorial service will be held Saturday at Parkminster United Church in Waterloo.