Those who knew Governor’s Councilor Kelly Timilty met the news of her death this week with both shock and sadness. But colleagues of Timilty remember her as a dedicated voice of the people and they told Dedham Patch that her legacy will live on for some time.

“I knew Kelly for a long time and constituent service was her number one priority,” said Dedham Town Clerk Paul Munchbach. “She met regularly with residents and officials to make sure she always knew where the town was heading and how she could help us."

Timilty died at the age of 49 on Tuesday after a notable career that included 18 years representing District 2. During that time Timilty worked with a multitude of town and state officials, including Norfolk County Commissioner Francis O’Brien.

“(Timilty) was one of the most loyal public servants that I’ve ever had the privilege to serve with over the years,” O’Brien said. “She was dedicated to the governor’s council and she served them well.”

O’Brien and Munchbach shared that much of the work Timilty conducted was done behind the scenes because she was not the type to seek out fanfare. Instead, they said, Timilty made sure she completed her tasks on time, researched as much of an issue as she could and made herself available to constituents who needed her help.

Munchbach, who related that he worked hand in hand with Timilty on several issues over the years, saw the Governor’s Councilor as a selfless person who always took the high road in campaigns.

“She was always available and approachable. She was always working hard and doing the things you would want a person representing you to accomplish,” said Munchbach.

Whether she was sitting with constituents in a coffee shop, taking part in Dedham Day or marching in the Flag Day parade (“in her high heels,” as Munchbach recalled), Timilty was constantly among the people of Dedham, a fact that State Rep. Paul McMurtry remembered fondly.

“The Kelly Timilty I will always remember is one of compassion, dedication and committed service to others,” McMurtry told Patch.

A funeral Mass is planned for Timilty at the St. Theresa of Avila Parish in W. Roxbury at 10 a.m. on Saturday, the Boston Globe reports.

“She always had a spot in her heart for Dedham and knew the people in this town very well, including myself,” O’Brien said. “Her service in this town will always be remembered fondly.”