Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:
"Melanie was a truly valued and much-loved member of Suffolk County Council, who cared deeply about Pakefield and Lowestoft and coastal communities.
"As the local councillor for Pakefield since 2017, Melanie brought energy, optimism, and compassion to everything she did.
"She was passionate about her work and always had time for others - whether supporting residents, contributing to committees, or championing Suffolk’s heritage and natural environment as Deputy Cabinet Member for Protected Landscapes and Archaeology.
"Melanie had a warmth and kindness that made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her positivity and generosity of spirit reached across political boundaries, and she was respected and admired by colleagues from all sides of the Council.
"Her passing is a tremendous loss to Suffolk County Council and to the many people who had the privilege of knowing her. My thoughts, and those of my group are with Melanie’s family and friends at this very sad time."
She was first elected to the Pakefield Ward for Waveney District Council in 1979. She was re elected in 1983 and stood down in 1986.
She was then elected again for Pakefield in 2018 following a by election and remained on Waveney District Council until the creation of East Suffolk Council in 2019.
