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Five-term Councilwoman Anne M. Robbins said farewell to public life surrounded by dozens of friends, supporters and colleagues at City Hall on Monday.

Among them were her husband, former councilman Dave Robbins, Gov. Martin O'Malley's mother and Rockville resident Barbara O'Malley, former U.S. Rep. Constance A. Morella, County Council President Philip M. Andrews (D-Dist. 3) and County Executive Isiah Leggett (D).

"Everybody's here!" Robbins said, flushed from smiling. "I've got family here that I haven't seen in years."

She said she has been thinking about how wonderful it has been to be able to help people.

"I know I've had an impact," she said. "When I came on, developers were king. I brought a mindset that I would represent the people and give them a voice."

She said her heart was heavy, but called the ceremony the "best party [she's] ever been to."

Her husband said he could not be prouder of her.

"She used to dream of elected office and she's really fulfilled it," Dave Robbins said. "I'm happy to have her more to myself though."

He said that when he retires within the next year or so, he and Anne will hopefully do more travelling.

What most impressed him was her closeness to the community.

"She knew on a first-name basis more people in Rockville than I can keep track of," he said.

Andrews said he met Robbins in the late 1990s before she was a councilwoman and he enjoyed working with her throughout the years.

"I worked closely with her on a lot of issues," Andrews said. "For example, on free parking for library patrons in Town Square, we worked together very closely."

District 17 delegates James Gilchrist (D) and Luiz Simmons (D) and Sen. Jennie Forehand (D) presented Robbins with a Maryland state flag.

She also received a glass bowl engraved with the Rockville logo from the city.

Leggett said Robbins would send her notes thanking him, telling him "job well done," "let me know if I can help" or "you are my hero."

Robbins chimed in on cue, "You really are my hero!"

Mayor Susan R. Hoffmann, who has at times clashed with Robbins on issues, presented the councilwoman with a bouquet of flowers.

"This is from me," she said. "I just wanted you to know, I, too, am grateful to you for your service."