Lac-Mgantic mayor Colette Roy Laroche takes a bow

After 13 years as the mayor of Lac-Mgantic, Colette Roy Laroche chaired her last council meeting this week.

• Colette Roy Laroche won't run again for mayor in Lac-Mgantic

• Faces of the Lac-Mgantic tragedy

The mayor was nicknamed the "Granite Lady"for her composure in the aftermath of thedeadly train derailment in 2013that leveled most of the town's core, killing 47 people.

She had originally intended to retire that year but extended her mandate in the face of the tragedy.

Afterthederailment,RoyLarochelobbied for changes to the way oil is transported by rail through communities likeLac-Mgantic. The town is still rebuilding.

It's a bit sad to leave a town.It's like leaving a family.- Colette Roy Laroche

Chairing her very last council meeting this week, Roy Laroche was given a standing ovation from councillors and citizens.

"I feel happy and satisfied but at the same time, it's a bit sad to leave a town.It's like leaving a family," she said.

In August, Roy Larochesaid she would seek re-election in the November municipal elections.

She saidshe wantedto focus on her health and her family.Her husband died earlier this year after a lengthy battle with cancer.