The 17-year-old was a recent recipient of Auckland Rugby League's Under-17 player of the year award. He was also selected for the New Zealand Maori Under-17 side.
He had been shopping at Henderson's night market and went to pick up a friend when he was attacked and stabbed in the throat with a broken bottle. Vincent Skeen, 17, has been charged with his murder and is scheduled to go on trial in August.
Ms Tipene was a cousin of Luke's father, Christopher Tipene, whose body was found in Glen Eden in November 2002, five weeks after he was last seen by his family.
Ms Tipene was educated in Auckland, studying at Unitec before moving to Kerikeri. After her death she lay in state at Te Piringatahi Marae o Te Maungarongo in West Harbour, and yesterday her body was taken to Panguru, near Hokianga, for her tangi at Waipuna Marae.
A relative said the wider family were devastated.
"It's very unfortunate that both of these family members of ours have passed within the last few weeks," he said.
"It's very tragic."
Ms Tipene's children Katrina, Nigel and Marina and grandchildren Tyson and Cortez were understood to be in Northland for her tangi.
On Saturday Nigel published a tribute to his mother on Facebook.
"I love you so much mum. Thank you so much for your guidance, love, support, and how hard you worked to give me an education, home, and the belief that I can achieve anything," he said.
"You dedicated your life to us and you loved your grandchildren with all your heart and soul. You were always there for us no matter the circumstance or how mean we were to you. I wish I could have done a thousand things."
He thanked friends and whanau for supporting his family.
"She was the most bravest, selfless, loving mother a son could ever want. I love you with all my heart mum forever."
Ms Tipene's cousin Joseph Tipene also posted a tribute.
"I never heard a bad word from her," he said.
"She was so down to earth and never passed judgment on anyone ... so proud to be her cousin."
