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Heartfelt tributes began flowing last night for an Auckland grandmother with a "courageous spirit" who was murdered while on holiday in Russia.
Russian prosecutors have revealed that Pamela Crane, 72, of Pakuranga was strangled.
Her body was found on June 3 in a forest near the village of Repikhovo in the Sergiyev Posad district, famous for its 662-year-old monastery.
"The body of a woman with a rope around her neck was found," a statement posted on a Russian website said.
Prosecutors launched a "premeditated murder" inquiry and are looking at robbery as a possible motive.
In a statement released by the New Zealand police, Mrs Crane's three children said their situation was their worst nightmare.
They described their mother as a "very dignified, much loved and highly respected lady" who loved her seven grandchildren, aged from 3 to 11.
"Our mother was an amazing lady; loving and most loved.
"She had a courageous spirit and in her final days she was doing what she loved and wanted to do, travelling and visiting places that she had longed to visit. This is the way we will remember her."
On websites last night, others paid tribute to Mrs Crane.
One colleague remembered her as "the most amazing teacher I had the privilege of working with".
"She had a connection with children that was incredible to watch," wrote the woman.
"She taught for 25 years and had remained in touch with pupils over all those years.
"She was just one of those special people who was born to teach and she always made it fun for the kids."
Mrs Crane arrived in Russia on an Intrepid Tour from China on May 27.
She was last seen in the lobby of the Izmailovo Vega Hotel in Moscow on May 29 after her tour ended.
Russian police believe she travelled by train to the The Trinity Lavra of St Sergius monastery, founded in 1345 outside Moscow, before she disappeared.
Mrs Crane never returned to her hotel and her bags were found by hotel staff.
Her daughter, who lives in Albany, started searching for her when she failed to arrive at Auckland Airport on June 10.
The family were told on Saturday that a body had been found.
The head of the police missing persons unit in Wellington, Detective Sergeant Liam Clinton, said dental records to be used to formally identify the body were sent to Russia yesterday morning.
Mrs Crane is the 95th New Zealander reported to the unit since it was established in May 2004.
Mrs Crane's trip was organised by Intrepid Tours New Zealand.
Yesterday, sales and marketing manager Alison Mead said staff at the Newmarket office were shocked by news of the murder.
"The team here is pretty devastated. It's been a fairly difficult week for everybody involved.
"Our sympathy and thoughts are all with the family."
