She was her family's Peter Pan, like a child who never grew up.
And to her community, Despina "Tina" Kontozis was the bright, radiant light who loved to dance, care for children and to love.
That is how the mother-of-one has been remembered by emotional friends and family almost 10 days after she was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner.
The 51-year-old was allegedly bashed to death with a cricket bat over the Anzac Day long weekend at her home in Bundeena, a tightly knit coastal village south of Sydney.
After fleeing, Stephen Boyd was arrested 24 hours later in Braidwood following a police chase.
He has been charged with murder, assault, breaching an apprehended violence order and other offences.
Ms Kontozis' death sent waves of grief and disbelief through her community, who knew her as a "radiantly beautiful person" and dedicated childcare worker.
Hundreds packed into the Saint Stylianos Greek Orthodox Church in Gymea on Wednesday to remember Ms Kontozis.
White ribbon pins served as subtle reminders to the role domestic violence played in her death.
In a moving eulogy read to the funeral, Ms Kontozis' family remembered her as a philanthropist who cared for others throughout her life.
"Nothing was ever an issue for her," the eulogy, read out by a priest, said.
"She always looked out for her family and friends.
"Tina always saw the best in people and would constantly welcome anyone into her home with a smile."
The family said her 17-year-old son was Ms Kontozis' pride and joy.
Ms Kontozis was well-known in the Bundeena community, having published a children's book and donated the proceeds to kindergartens locally and abroad.
"The fact that we couldn't find a photo of her by herself goes to show that her company was valued by so many people," the family eulogy read.
"Not only our family but the whole community has lost such an amazing person."
Ms Kontozis' flower-topped coffin was carried into a waiting hearse outside the small church before being driven to Woronora Cemetery.
Mr Boyd is due to appear in Central Local Court in June.
❏ Support is available by phoning National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800 737 732; Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491.
Thisa report appeared initially online for The Sydney Morning Herald.
