Teresa Carberry, a Flintshire county councillor who represented the Mold Broncoed ward, has died at the age of 64. She passed away on Wednesday, September 23 at Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham following a period of serious illness.
Cllr Carberry has been remembered by fellow council members and her loved ones for her "genuine human kindness" and ability to always put people first. She had been ill for some time but had found the strength during her illness to chair council committees until recent weeks.
Family tribute to 'amazing mum'
Paying tribute to her, Cllr Carberry's family said she will be "greatly missed". They said: "Teresa would have been genuinely humbled by all the kind comments and heart-warming messages shared since her passing."
The family knew her as an amazing mum who brought up an incredible daughter – whose career as a senior nurse practitioner continues her long tradition of public service – a wonderful older sister and as a loving daughter. She touched so many lives in her time as a teacher in the Mold Alun, as a leading member of Mold Lions and as a town and county councillor.
"For all the difference Teresa made to so many people, it was a mark of her genuine human kindness and personal humility that she never considered any of it worthy of praise, fuss or note. She just wanted to help people because she could."
"Teresa had been ill for some time and throughout it all bore it as bravely as she could. She passed peacefully in her sleep at Nightingale House Hospice with her much-loved family by her bedside. We are all so proud of everything she achieved and miss her terribly already."
Council leaders pay tribute
Council leader Cllr Dave Hughes, who also led the Labour Party group Cllr Carberry was a member of, said: "She was always very caring and highly respected as a councillor. She cared about people's feelings and she didn't see wrong in anyone. She put people first."
"She had sadly been ill for a long time, but she showed strength to continue to represent her constituents and she was always fair in her decisions."
Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Andrew Parkhurst added: "On behalf of my group I send our heartfelt condolences to Teresa's family and friends. Teresa was a wonderfully warm person with a genuine concern for all those she met, especially those who hadn't been dealt the best hand in life. She had a particular passion for education and will be greatly missed both within the council and in the wider community."
Reform UK Wales group leader Cllr Helen Brown worked closely with Cllr Carberry during lockdown. "On behalf of the Reform Group, we would like to express our deepest condolences to Teresa's family and friends at such a sad time," she said. "Teresa was a dedicated councillor for the ward of Broncoed, Mold. She will be sadly missed."
"I personally go to know Teresa during the lockdowns whilst we were both collecting and distributing school uniforms across Flintshire. She was a very kind lady."
Independent group leader Cllr Jason Shallcross remembered Cllr Carberry as a calming influence on the authority. "Teresa was a warm, kind, and very knowledgeable councillor," he said. "Whatever the circumstances she never lost her calm persona. She will be greatly missed."
Mold town council remembers mayor
Mold town council, on which Cllr Carberry served for nine years, said it was "deeply saddened" by her passing. "Mold town council extends its heartfelt condolences to Teresa's daughter Imogen, her father Peter, her family, friends and all those who knew and worked alongside her," a council statement read.
"Teresa joined Mold Town Council in May 2017 and went on to serve as Mayor of Mold on two occasions, in 20/21 and again in 23/24. In 2022, she was elected to Flintshire County Council and was immensely proud to serve her community at both town and county level."
"Teresa cared deeply about Mold and the people she represented. Even throughout her illness, she continued her work, supporting residents in whatever way she could."
"She will be particularly remembered for her work supporting local families through the school uniform initiative that was highly commended for the difference it made within the community. It reflected Teresa's determination to turn ideas into positive action."
"As a former high school teacher, Teresa had a particular passion for supporting children and young people. She played an active role in the work of Mold town youth council and was a strong advocate for ensuring that young people had a voice, were listened to and had opportunities to contribute to the future of their town."
"She brought commitment, compassion and a genuine desire to help others to her public service and her contribution to the town and its residents will not be forgotten. Teresa will be very sadly missed by her fellow councillors, town council staff and the wider Mold community."
On behalf of the Daniel Owen Community Association, one of the organisations of which Cllr Carberry was a trustee, chair of trustees Sarah Taylor said: "It is with great sadness, but fond memories, that we remember Teresa. Teresa was a truly caring and compassionate person who always put people at the heart of everything she did. She had a remarkable ability to listen, understand and, most importantly, take action."
"She didn't just listen to people's concerns – she worked tirelessly to make things happen and to make a real difference in the lives of others. Teresa brought warmth, kindness and positivity wherever she went. She was always cheerful, with a beaming smile that could brighten any room, even while facing her own personal challenges."
"Her strength, generosity and determination were an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be greatly missed by her fellow trustees, colleagues, friends and the many people whose lives she touched. Thank you, Teresa, for everything you gave and everything you did. Your legacy of kindness and action will live on."
