Francesca Spiteri was among those honoured by Brentwood Council at its Civic Awards.
The accolades were given to individuals who have made a significant impact on their local communities.
The service to the community award was posthumously given to Francesca, who became involved in bereavement charity Our Grieving Hearts in 2018.
She was also involved in championing Butterfly Meadow, a conservation area at St Mary the Virgin church in Shenfield.
Her daughters Jessica and Dawn-Marie accepted the award on her behalf after Francesca died last year.
She was described as “a brave, kind, unforgettable woman, a supporter, a driver of ideas and someone who made things happen”.
The council said: “She worked tirelessly to raise awareness and support for Butterfly Meadow and had a passion and drive towards this cause that was unmatched – making it what it is today.
“For many years she publicised the regular working parties to increase the number of volunteers who would carry out general maintenance.
“She raised funds and sponsorship, as well as providing a superb butterfly bench feature in the meadow.”
The lifetime achievement awards were given to Kim Messenger and Mick Chapman.
Kim has been a volunteer within the Brentwood community for 47 years, starting as a Guider with a Brownie pack.
She opened her own Brownie pack 37 years ago and has since taken on many volunteer roles within and beyond Girl Guiding.
Mick has been associated with the Essex Regiment and the Royal Anglian Regiment for more than 50 years.
He has served as secretary for the past 25 years, a role he inherited from his father.
According to the council, he has played a vital role in revitalising the Regimental Chapel and has voluntarily assisted at numerous events at the Army Reserve Centre and other venues for more than 20 years.
Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Mark Haigh, said: “The awards this year were a chance for us to say thank you to Kim and Mick, individuals whose passion, dedication and kindness help shape our borough into the strong and caring community it is.
“It was also an opportunity to acknowledge and highlight the big impact and difference that Francesca made and her story was truly moving.
“Each one of our Civic Award recipients represent the very best of Brentwood.
“Whether it’s through decades of voluntary service, creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people, or inspiring others through personal courage and resilience, each of them has given so much of themselves in service to others and have made a lasting difference.
“Their stories remind us that it is the quiet, consistent acts of kindness and leadership that strengthen our community.”
