ORR – Longtime Orr City Clerk Louise E. Redmond championed her city and worked diligently and often behind the scenes to improve it.

“She was the heart and soul of Orr,” said Mayor Joel Astleford. “She was the city’s No. 1 cheerleader.”

The 61-year-old Redmond succumbed on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, to a lengthy illness, surrounded at her home by her loved ones.

At Monday’s city council meeting, councilors had a moment of silence for Redmond and talked about how they could ensure her name lives on in the community she embraced.

Councilor Lloyd Scott said he and Mayor Astleford discussed naming Orr City Park after Redmond. Other ideas have included naming a street or a wing of the former Orr School, which is being repurposed as a community center and fish farm, in her honor.

Meanwhile, Redmond’s hard work for and dedication to her city was recognized by her colleagues and friends.

“Orr was her No. 1 priority,” said Scott. “She was always there to help people.”

“We’re really going to miss Louise,” said Wendy Purdy, who is helping lead the effort to revitalize the former Orr School. “She was a go-getter.”

Purdy said it was Redmond who encouraged her to get involved in the school project. “She did a lot of work behind the scenes that people didn’t know about.”

Cheri Carter, who served as assistant city clerk, considered Redmond both a friend and mentor.

“She was always very patient and caring, and made time for anyone who needed a word of advice or encouragement,” recalled Carter. “She worked long hours and selflessly for the community of Orr.”

When the Orr School closed and things looked bleak for the community, Carter said Redmond rose to the challenge.

“She worked with Spectrum, the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, and St. Louis County’s Community Block Development Grant program to get an assisted living center in Orr,” said Carter. “In addition, she had a key role in the school project.”

“Louise never stopped thinking of what things could be done to better the city,” continued Carter. “Even in the face of adversity, she never lost her cool.”

Cook City Administrator Theresa Martinson called Redmond a true visionary.

“If she became intrigued by something, she would research it to the bitter end,” said Martinson. “Her devotion to the small town she worked in was of a nature you don’t always see in today’s busy world. She cared from her heart for the residents of Orr and the surrounding communities.”

Martinson added that Remond could see beyond her own city and identify the need for collaboration on a much larger scale.

“I will miss her and our ability to fight for our own towns, but still realize that working together meant better for our entire area,” said Martinson. “May the works she started live on for generations to come.”

Hundreds turned out for Redmond’s memorial service, held on Saturday, May 9, at the Mountain Iron Community Center — a demonstration of the number of lives she touched.

The turnout was just as strong during a fundraiser for Redmond held at the Orr American Legion in late April. For many, it was the last time they saw Louise, whose health deteriorated rapidly following the event.

It was evident that Louise was touched by the support she received at the benefit and a long overdue thanks to Orr’s No. 1 cheerleader.