A funeral for Mrs Clark, who is survived by her husband, George, and her four daughters, is planned in Waihi on Monday but the time is yet to be announced.
Margaret Wilson, former parliamentary Speaker and long-time friend of Miss Clark, lives in Tauranga and told the Bay of Plenty Times yesterday that she was in Sydney for a conference but would be back in the country in time to attend the funeral and was awaiting more details.
"It's very sad as Mrs Clark was a lovely lady," she said.
Waihi Beach had been home to Mr and Mrs Clark since 1987, when they moved from the Waikato town of Te Pahu.
The couple celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2009 and said they had enjoyed plenty of overseas travel together.
Labour leader Phil Goff said Helen Clark and her family would feel the loss very deeply.
"Helen's mother was a wonderful support to her and the family is very close-knit."
Labour MPs would be at the funeral "to support Helen and the family".
Miss Clark was Prime Minister from 1999 to 2008 and her parents were by her side when she conceded in 2008 to John Key. She is the first female to lead the UN Development Programme, the third most senior role in the United Nations.
