Stratford residents are mourning the loss of a well-loved member of the community, as news of Gwen Blake's murder has been made public.
The body of Gwen (71), a widow, was found at her Regan St home on Friday evening, following which police launched a homicide investigation. Gwen's 47-year-old son, David Blake, has been charged with her murder.
Neighbours have described UK-born Gwen as "a friendly, caring woman who always had a kind word or two". One neighbour, who declined to be named, says Gwen "was the sort of person you knew you could go and chat to at anytime, her door was always open to friends and she made you feel so welcome".
Mayor Neil Volzke says that he, like everyone else in the community, was shocked by the news, and offers his condolences to her family and friends. "As they come to grips with what has happened, the family has asked for privacy to allow them time to grieve. We should all respect their request."
As a celebrant, Gwen was well known in the community, presiding over weddings, funerals and baby namings with a style that one client describes as "uniquely Gwen, she brought warmth and humour to a sad occasion, turning it into a celebration of a life well lived".
Staff at Brian Darth Funeral Services - Brian and Pamela Darth and Geoff Berg, who knew Gwen as a celebrant - were saddened to hear of her sudden death. "She was a lovely lady, wonderful to work with and will be greatly missed by her many colleagues and friends in the funeral industry."
As flowers pile up outside Gwen's house, her Facebook page has been filling up with comments from family and friends from around the world, all remembering her warmth, compassion and generosity of spirit.
"Gwen was a bundle of fun and laughs and would bend over backwards to help anyone who needed it," one Facebook comment said.
You have been the most amazing, supportive friend and confidante to so many, an island in so many people's raging seas.
As the Stratford Press went to print a scene investigation was still under way at Gwen's home and property, and police say items of interest have been taken for forensic processing.
Senior Sergeant Darin Haenga says the police thank all those in the community who have assisted with the investigation. He asked that members of the community allow police to continue their enquiries by not visiting the scene and also to respect the family's privacy.
A post-mortem on Sunday revealed that Gwen died as the result of an assault, however police are not yet releasing further details.
David Blake, who had been living locally, is due to reappear in court on February 20.
Stratford is generally a very safe place to live and it is rare to have serious acts of violence like this here.
Mayor Neil Volzke welcomed the news of the early arrest. "The early arrest of a man in connection with this event will give some reassurance to the community that there is no ongoing threat."