Crawford was found dead in Opotiki on February 19.
Her friend said Crawford was trying to come to terms with Collier's death when she was killed.
"She was devastated," the friend said.
"The pair were planning to get married and were excited about the birth of their first child together."
Following Collier's death, Crawford would go and visit him at the cemetery every evening at 7pm and tell him about her day.
"They were both looking forward to the birth and being parents again," the friend said.
"We talked about baby names, she had decided on Petra-Anahera Collier, a play on Peter being her angel.
"Petra was her reason to live and be the best mum she could be."
Originally from Opotiki, Crawford had moved away some years ago and married a man from New Plymouth. The pair have a daughter.
She moved back to the Eastern Bay settlement after the breakdown of her marriage, and cared for her ailing father who has a degenerative condition.
Crawford had only recently placed her father in care as her pregnancy progressed and his condition worsened.
The friend described Crawford as a beautiful person who always went out of her way to help others.
"She was one of the most caring people you would ever be likely to meet. She touched a lot of hearts, those of us who knew her are gutted, absolutely gutted, and also very angry."
In the days following the alleged murder, a prayer evening had been held for her friends who were struggling with the loss.
"Alicia had started to learn different Maori arts and was enjoying it very much.
"Her death has left a huge hole in the many hearts she touched. We still pray weekly for our town."
