Sue Hore died on Sunday. Her son Andrew, a former All Black, has remembered his mother as a "champion''.
Mrs Hore and her husband Jim Hore are third-generation farmers at Stonehenge. They have two sons, Charlie, and Andrew.
"I've had more text messages and condolences from people passing on their regards, than when I won the World Cup - that probably shows you what kind of stead she's in,'' Mr Hore said.
He added she was someone who always put others first.
"She had amazing ability to see the good in everyone and she was always pretty keen to help.''
"She probably spent her whole life helping others - a very selfless woman, I'd say.''
Details of her death are unclear but it occurred on the family's Stonehenge farm near Patearoa.
Police were called to an incident on the Patearoa-Paerau Rd, south of Ranfurly, about 9.15am on Sunday. WorkSafe had been notified and were making initial inquiries.
Those paying tribute to Mrs Hore said her contribution to her family, farm and the wider district was immeasurable.
Central Otago District Council Maniototo councillor and family friend Stuart Duncan said the Maniototo community was "completely devastated'' by Mrs Hore's death.
"She was a generous person and the Hores are generous people.''
Maniototo resident and Hore family friend Amie Pont said there "wouldn't have been many people in this community who haven't been helped out by the Hore family in some way. Sue had a stockpile of gifts and cards ready for any situation - happy or sad. She has supported so many people over the years through their own loss. Always there. Sue will be very missed by us all''.
Her family were widely known and respected in the rural sector, including through helping run the Patearoa dog trials.
Mrs Hore was also well known for her catering work, both on the farm and in the wider community. She and her husband had previously featured in a Silver Ferns article in Mindfood magazine.
Mrs Hore was a former nurse and attended the Maniototo Hospital staff reunion in Ranfurly earlier this year.
She was also a member of the host-town committee for next year's Otago Goldfields Heritage Cavalcade, which will arrive in Patearoa.
Stonehenge was established on February 24, 1910, by Charlie (Chas) Hore, Jim Hore's grandfather.
