Mrs Hargraves has been described as “quintessentially Junee” with many residents shocked by her death following a freak accident at the family home in George Street on Tuesday.

Neighbour James Watson described her as a kind-hearted person.

“Her family was the most important thing to her,” he said.

With family as her focus, Mrs Hargraves raised five children.

Her husband Keith worked on the railway.

“You wouldn’t find a better person in a day’s march,” former railway worker Ron Waugh said of Mrs Hargraves.

Mr Waugh worked for several years with Mr Hargraves and said the couple were dedicated to each other and rarely seen apart.

He said Mrs Hargraves was a quiet person, yet very friendly.

“My sympathies go out to the family,” mayor Lola Cummins said.

Councillor Cummins described Mrs Hargraves as a lovely woman and said it was dreadful thing to happen.

“It’s a very sad day for our community.”

A requiem mass will be held at in St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Junee on Monday June 3, commencing at 11.00am.