Cambridge city councilor dies following ‘brief illness,’ officials say

Cambridge City Councilor Joan Pickett has died following what the city described as a “brief illness,” officials announced on Saturday.

Pickett, sworn into office this past January, died at age 69 on Friday.

“It is with great sadness that we inform the Cambridge community of the sudden passing of City Councillor Joan Pickett, who passed away last evening following a brief illness,” the city posted on its social media accounts Saturday afternoon. “Councillor Pickett was a dedicated public official & a respected member of the Cambridge community.

“We ask that you keep Councillor Pickett’s family, friends & colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time,” the city added.

Pickett became ill in recent months before being hospitalized over the summer, missing a special City Council meeting on Aug. 5 and committee hearings due to the sickness, friends and colleagues told the hyperlocal Cambridge Day on Saturday.

The city councilor had “a short period in hospice,” the Day reported.

“The family appreciates everyone’s thoughts and well-wishes at this difficult time, and news of a memorial service shall be made available to the public in the days to come,” Mayor E. Denise Simmons said in a statement posted on the city’s website. “I have alerted our City Manager, our Deputy City Manager, and the Chair of the Election Commission about Councillor Pickett’s passing.”

“When there is news as to the mechanics of determining who shall fill this vacancy on the Council, and as to a timeline of that process, we shall work to get this information to the public as quickly and as thoughtfully as possible,” Simmons added. “We thank you for your patience and your grace as we process the loss of our friend and colleague, and as we work to continue onward with the business of governing.”

This is a developing story.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/NLTqiH4