CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Portsmouth Mayor Evelyn Sirrell:

“Evelyn Sirrell dedicated her life to serving her beloved Portsmouth. She brought her passion for the community to her public service, fighting to save the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and acting as a strong voice for the people.

“Her voice and her advocacy for Portsmouth, the community and its people will be missed. My wife Susan and I send our deepest sympathies to the Sirrell family.”