Sharon recalled a busy and loving household, where she, her sister Michelle and electrician father Wally Kunac lived in a home for boys.
She said her parents ensured every child felt safe and comfortable in the home.
"We had Maori kai night where the girls would teach Mum how to make boil up.
"My dad was really good with the boys.
"He was really gentle and it was a really good place."
The Kunac family left the home for boys when Beryl became pregnant with son Boris.
However, CYF occasionally called on her to care for children temporarily.
Sharon said her mother's gregarious and independent spirit were some of her defining features. "She was gregarious. She would just talk to anyone. She often used to pick up hitchhikers. If they had a nice backpack and a Canadian flag she would take them home and introduce them to everyone."
Beryl had volunteered with various organisations in the community, including the Rotorua Hospital, the police, and at the Parksyde Older Persons Community Centre. She had also spent a lot of time with Wally, who died about nine-and-a-half years ago. They had been married for 47 years.
"Her and Dad used to go on the lake trout fishing. They were very happily married. The first thing they did when they retired was go travelling."
Sharon said her mother left a legacy for the family.
"A huge legacy is keeping in contact with all the family. She was the matriarch. She really brought everyone together. I think her big heart is something we can all learn more about as a family."
Beryl is survived by three children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was farewelled at a service in Rotorua last week.
