St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen is paying tribute to friend and colleague Debbie Hanlon who lost her battle with cancer on Tuesday.

Breen says Hanlon, a well-known businesswoman and realtor, made a significant contribution during her time in public service. He says on city council you begin as colleagues, and very quickly you become friends.

“Debbie was elected in 2008, I was elected in 2009, so she was there when I first got elected, and since then we’ve become friends,” Breen told the Tim Powers Show. “Debbie would lighten up any room. She was colourful, not only in her attire, but also in her spirit and her warm personality.”