St. John’s city council solemnly celebrated Debbie Hanlon at the end of their public meeting yesterday.

It was just over a year ago that the longtime councilor stepped aside after being diagnosed with cancer.

Thus began a very difficult and public journey for the fiery real estate agent and everyone who knew and loved her.

Hanlon passed away last week at the age of 60, with a celebration of her extraordinary life held this past Sunday.

Then yesterday, her council colleagues were greeted by her photo, a yellow rose and cup and saucer in her place, as they arrived for their weekly meeting.

Each shared thoughts of Hanlon, including Maggie Burton who read the obituary aloud, and summed up the overall sentiment.

“It was all about the other person … all about ‘you’ll be OK, you’ll get through this, you’ve got this,’ and Debbie I think received that same amount of love back as she fought her courageous battle,” said Burton. “And I can’t help but smile thinking about all the times she’s had other people’s backs. But I really hope that Debbie went out of this world feeling as loved as she was.”