Vale of White Horse District Councillor Sylvia Patterson died on Thursday 12th January 2006, following surgery earlier in the week.She was being treated at hospital in Oxford and had surgery on Tuesday.Sylvia, 61, was ward member for Kennington and South Hinksey and chaired the Development Control Committee.She was married to Cllr Jerry Patterson and they have two sons.Sylvia has served on the Council since May 1999. She was immediately appointed on the Development Control Committee, which deals with planning. In May 2004 she became Vice-Chair of the committee and was elected Chair of the committee the following May.She was a member of the North East Area Committee and represented the Council on the Hinksey Heights Advisory Committee.Sylvia was a very active member and singer in the Abingdon Operatic Society and the Oxford Operatic Society. She was also a member of the Oxford Preservation Trust.Chief Executive Terry Stock, Deputy Leader Tony de Vere and Leader of the Opposition Melinda Tilley, said: "We are all incredibly shocked and saddened by this news and our thoughts are with Sylvia's family at this terrible time."