Mystery lagoon death a 'tragic accident', Sarah Mayne's family say

Sarah Mayne was a compassionate and caring person, her loved ones say. Photo / Supplied

The family of the woman whose body was found in a lagoon on Wellington's waterfront believe her death was a "tragic accident".

Sarah Pauline Louise Mayne, 48, was found dead in Whairepo Lagoon last month, and police initially treated her death as unexplained before referring the case to the coroner.

Brother Tony Mayne said they were awaiting the findings of the coroner's inquest - which may be some time away - but believed from what they'd been told by police that Sarah's death was an accident.

He farewelled his sister at a funeral last month, where he and other loved ones described her as a compassionate and caring person.

Sarah, who was adopted by her family at 10 days old, was always focused on helping and comforting others, said her father, David Mayne.

In the eulogy, he spoke of a woman known for her "warmth and empathy".

Sarah Mayne's body was found in Whairepo Lagoon near Frank Kitts Park last month. Photo / File

"When I was told of Sarah's horrific and tragic circumstances, I couldn't get my head around it," he said.

He said they would remember her for her "simple goodness and her many acts of loving kindness".

Sarah, who grew up in Lower Hutt, formerly worked for Transit New Zealand - which later became NZ Transport Agency - and then as a personal assistant with the Ministry of Education.

Friend Kerry Sorensen-Tyrer also gave an emotional eulogy, saying she was "absolutely gutted" for Sarah's partner of 20 years, whose life had been "turned upside down".

"Sarah's left this world far too soon," said Sorensen-Tyrer, who described her childhood friend as "kind, caring, sweet, and gentle".

The pair went to school together and stayed friends through their adult years as well.

She said Sarah had a "heart of gold" and would never speak a bad word about anyone.

"Everyone that has worked with Sarah also loved her," she said.

"I truly wish we had more time and we could turn back the clock."

Tony Mayne spoke of meeting his sister for the first time when he was just 5 and worrying about the fact she was "completely bald", and whether she would grow any hair.

He joked about their memories of growing up together in Eastbourne, and spoke of what his sister was like as a child.

She always loved animals, was "thoughtful and generous", and had a caring, compassionate nature, he said.

"We are all shocked and devastated.

"When someone passes so ... unexpectedly, there are always things which you wish you had said to them."

He told the Herald Sarah's passing had left "a big gap" in her family's lives.