Ellen was tragically killed in a car accident on Monday, May 27 on the Mid-Western Highway, in which her husband Allen was critically injured.

Cr Thompson found out the "devastating" news half an hour before Monday's council meeting.

"Words just get away from me for what's happened, it just ripped me apart, I felt very lost on Monday night," he said.

"I found it hard to comprehend what happened, when it comes half an hour before a meeting, it knocks you about."

Ellen McManus was the sister of Lithgow City Council's Deputy Mayor Wayne McAndrew.

Having worked with Cr McAndrew for many years, Mr Thompson said he knew the family extremely well.

"Ellen was an absolutely wonderful person, the younger sister of Wayne, she had just retired from 40 years as a school teacher and came from a strong, loving, family," he said.

Mrs McManus retired from St Patrick's Primary School in 2015.

Mr Thompson said the Council and councillors would continue to try and support Wayne during this difficult period.

"Council was great, every councillor, was very supportive," he said.

"Everyone showed their respect, that's why we had a shortened Council meeting."

The meeting which was adjourned after only 45 minutes, is set to be rescheduled in the coming week.

"We want to give Wayne this time to grieve and will reschedule for a date when he is ready," he said.

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