Norah Wilson Wrightson, known as ‘Nonie’, died peacefully on February 12.
She was the first woman to hold the title of chairman of the council when she was voted in in 1991.
Leader of the council, Councillor Stewart Young, said Nonie had a distinguished career as a county councillor.
He said: “She was a passionate and effective member of the Social Services Committee, and I served with her as a trustee of the Henry Lonsdale Trust who provide residential accommodation for the elderly at Rosehill and Stanwix.
“She was always fighting for the best possible care for those who needed it, and retained that interest long after she retired. She will be remembered with affection by all who knew her.”