City Reaction to former Mayor Evelyn Sirrell's Death

PORTSMOUTH – The Mayor has ordered City of Portsmouth flags to be flown at  half-staff in memory of former Mayor Evelyn Sirrell until after her funeral, City Manager John Bohenko announced Friday.

            Sirrell, who had been in declining health for some time, passed away Friday at the age of 78. She served eight years as Mayor of the City of Portsmouth, two as Assistant Mayor, and an additional four years as a City Councilor prior to her retirement in December 2005 at the age of 75.

            “Evelyn Sirrell was an unforgettable woman who dedicated her life to the City of Portsmouth as a mayor, city councilor and an active member of our community,” Bohenko said.

 “One need only look at the gates of the Shipyard that are still open, our new Library that she fought so hard to see completed, and even the firefighter statue that will be erected this summer at the Central Fire Station to get just a small idea of the indelible mark she left on this city.

  “Her death is also a personal loss for me,” he continued. “We worked closely together for eight years and she was well-loved at City Hall. It was rare to see her without a smile or a ready hug, especially for the young people she called her ‘kiddos’ and the senior citizens. 

              “Although small in stature, Evelyn Sirrell was a very strong woman with a big voice and an even bigger heart,” he said. “She will be dearly missed.”

At this time, funeral arrangements for former Mayor Sirrell are pending.

 

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