Winston-Salem city leaders are mourning the death of longtime council member Wanda Merschel.
Merschel began her civic involvement at the neighborhood level, pushing for historic preservation in the West End, where she lived with her husband John.
She turned that passion for advocacy into a four-term stint on the city council, ending with a decision not to seek re-election in 2013.
With a professional background in banking, Merschel offered leadership on many city endeavors, including the downtown ballpark. She chaired the council's finance committee for more than a decade.
Mayor Allen Joines praised Merschel for her wisdom and good judgment, saying she would leave a lasting legacy on the city she loved.
Merschel died last week at the age of 69. A downtown plaza is named in her honor.
In addition to her husband, Merschel is survived by her children Karen Johnson, Wendy Johnson, Lisa Merschel, John Merschel, Jeff Merschel and Kate Merschel Dailey.