The body of Annie Hall, chair of Derby Cathedral Council, was found in the River Derwent on Friday morning two miles after she was engulfed by rising water in Darley Dale, near Matlock.
Widespread flooding hit towns across the Midlands and northern England on Thursday and Friday and several areas were deluged with one month's worth of rain in a day.
According to Derbyshire police, the River Derwent burst its banks and caused huge problems along the length of the county.
Rt Rev Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, commended Hall for her service to the community and offered her condolences to her family, saying: "I am shocked and saddened by this tragic news.
"The pain and grief of Annie's death is felt by the whole community at Derby Cathedral and throughout the Diocese of Derby.
"My prayers are with her family at this very sad time.
"Annie's faithful professionalism, supportive nature and wonderful sense of humour meant she was much appreciated as chair of Derby Cathedral Council.
"Throughout Derbyshire, Annie was known for her personable and caring character, and for bringing laughter wherever she went. She will be much missed.
"Derby Cathedral, and the Diocese of Derby, will continue to pray for Annie's family, and for all those affected by the flooding, offering support and help where we can."
Rev Canon Dr Elizabeth Thomson, Acting Dean of Derby, said: "This is very sad and shocking news. Annie was a great friend to the Cathedral and she brought there, as to so much that she did, energy, warmth, and spirit.
"As High Sheriff and as Chair of the Cathedral Council we knew how she tackled everything before her with commitment and great heart.
"Our prayers are with her and her family, and with all who have been affected by the recent flooding."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Matlock on Friday while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn met flooded residents in Conisborough, South Yorkshire, on Saturday.
Many parts of Fishlake, near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, on Sunday remained under 3ft (one metre) of water from the nearby River Don and only tractors were able to get in by road.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for heavy rain on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
The warnings cover the same areas that are still dealing with the aftermath from Thursday and Friday's downpours stretching from Yorkshire to Derbyshire and the East Midlands.
Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.