Public memorial held for late Toronto city councillor Pam McConnell

Residents and officials gathered for a public memorial service in honour of the late city councillor Pam McConnell.

The “Celebration of Life” tool place inside the Cathedral Church of St. James at 65 Church St. Friday afternoon.

Many unable to get into the church were be able to listen to a live audio broadcast at the adjacent St. James Park.

READ MORE: Family of late city councillor Pam McConnell describe her as ‘the rock’ of the family

Flags at city hall, Metro Hall and the Toronto civic centres were at half-mast on Friday.

McConnell, a former teacher, was first elected to public office as a school board trustee in 1982. Twelve years later, she was elected as a Toronto city councillor.

READ MORE: Toronto Coun. Pam McConnell ‘gravely ill,’ Mayor John Tory says

McConnell represented Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale and was serving her seventh term on council.

The Toronto deputy mayor passed away on July 7 at the age of 71.

McConnell’s family has requested that donations be made to the following organizations:

• Collective of Black Artists
• Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services
• Riverdale Housing Animation Programs

With files from Nick Westoll

VIDEO: Toronto city councillor Pam McConnell dies

2:37 Toronto city councillor Pam McConnell dies