Dead Rotorua woman farewelled

Michelle Hoffman-Tamm. Photo / supplied

There was standing room only at Michelle Hoffman-Tamm's funeral as tributes flowed for a woman whose greatest joy was to help others.

The 51-year-old Rotorua woman's body was found by police in a forest area near Murupara on Friday, 16 days after she left her Phillip St home to visit a friend and never returned.

A 44-year-old woman has been charged with assault, but police say further charges are likely.

However at Ms Hoffman-Tamm's final farewell today, the focus was on celebrating her generous and kind life, not on the way she died.

About 200 people filled the Osborne's Funeral Home Chapel in Rotorua, spilling out into the carpark where they listened to the service through speakers.

Celebrant Raewyn Hammond described a woman who could give any man a run for his money when it came to her handyman skills and who loved to rough and tumble with her grandchildren.

Ms Hoffman-Tamm's daughter, Monique Hoffman-Tamm, led the personal tributes to her mother.

"I have to believe that you still exist somewhere, that you still watch me sometimes somehow,'' she said.

About 15 people then shared their memories of Ms Hoffman-Tamm, including family, friends, neighbours, childhood friends and former colleagues, with their stories prompting a mix of tears and laughter.

The service was followed by a private cremation.