Former Carbondale Mayor Helen Westberg died in Springfield over the weekend, at the age of 89.

In remembrance of her, Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole ordered City of Carbondale flags to be flown at half-mast for seven days starting today.

Bev Westberg said her mother-in-law, who died Sunday, held many good memories from her life and time in Carbondale.

"Her fondest memories were her family, city government, civic activities and church," she said.

Helen Westberg's son, Bob Westberg, said his mother believed strongly in fairness and justice. Bev Westberg said she was insistent about campaign finance issues and would not accept more than $100 from anyone.

Helen Westberg's grandson, Brian Westberg, said his grandmother was very sweet and would always help people.

"She was really kind all the time and never really got mad," Brian Westberg said.

City Clerk Janet Vaught, who worked with Westber, echoed those sentiments. She said Westberg loved and cared about the community.

"She always did what her heart told her to do," Vaught said. "She didn't let politics enter into decision making."

Vaught said Westberg did not slow down for a minute and lead an enthusiastic, active life until she was too frail to do so.

Mayor Cole did not serve on the council with Westberg but had met her and her family several times.

"By all accounts, she was a concerned, caring, dedicated mayor with a good reputation," Mayor Cole said.

Westberg served on the citizens advisory committee from October 1964 until September 1973, when she was appointed to the Carbondale City Council to fill a vacant spot. When appointed, she became the first councilwoman in Carbondale.

Westberg returned to the advisory committee and served from May 1977 until April 1980. She acted as a member of the Carbondale City Council until 1983 when she was elected mayor. Westberg served as mayor until 1987.

Vaught said it was amazing how after only one term, she was so well loved in the community.

The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce named her "Citizen of the Year" in 1991.

Westberg was born in Harrisburg, Pa., on March 3, 1917 and attended Hood College in Fredrick, Md., where she was president of the student government. Westberg moved to Carbondale in 1952 when her late husband, William, became a psychology professor at the University.

Westberg left Carbondale two years ago and moved to Springfield to be closer to her son.