Lilian Mina, chairman of Harrogate's Royal Hall Restoration Trust, died this week after a battle with cancer. She had devoted the past six years to raising funds to restore the last remaining kursaal in the country to its 1903 glory. The hall had been forced to close in 2002 due to structural work being needed but now, thanks to Mrs Mina's work, is due to reopen to the public tomorrow just five days after her death.

Born in Lincolnshire, Mrs Mina, who was also the chairman of Harrogate Civic Society, moved to the borough 25 years ago. A former businesswoman, she sat on the council from 1987 until 1991, originally representing a Knaresborough ward before she moved to Harrogate.

Her involvement in several campaigns showed her determination as she fought to restore a disused pump-room alongside the Valley Gardens well-heads and refit Harrogate's Lowther Arcade when it was destroyed in a fire.

It was in 2002 that Mrs Mina's devotion to her community really shone through when she took on the restoration challenge.

When the £8m already pledged by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Harrogate Council was not sufficient she raised an additional £2.7m. In her passion and drive to see the project through, she even did what many thought impossible by persuading Prince Charles to become patron of the restoration trust.

The Prince officially opened the hall in January this year, famously showing his admiration for Mrs Mina as he led her round on his arm knowing she had been in hospital just 48 hours earlier. At the opening ceremony Mrs Mina stated: "I believe that in restoring the Royal Hall the people of Harrogate have come together and achieved something that is very special."

This tireless work was recognised by Harrogate in November last year when she was given the freedom of the borough, the highest gift a local authority can bestow and one of only 28 which Harrogate has awarded in its 123-year history. The admirable fundraiser was awarded an MBE in the New Year honours list in recognition of her services to the Harrogate community. Just last month she announced she was to resign from the civic society this summer due to her illness.

She leaves partner Howard Hughes and two children, Mitza and Joe.

Her family was offered the opportunity of a civic funeral ceremony but has chosen to have a private service followed by a memorial ceremony instead.