She stepped aside as mayor in early 2025 for cancer treatment and died at home on January 22, aged 67.
Mrs Munro was a farmer with her husband Philip near Fairlie and served as a farmer director for the central South Island on the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) board from 2010 to 2016.
B+LNZ acknowledged her contribution to farming communities and the red meat sector.
Former chairman Mike Petersen said in a statement Mrs Munro always cared deeply about people and communities and was sensitive about how the outcomes of any big decisions would impact farmers, farming communities and staff.
He said she was passionate about farming and ensured every decision the board made was in the best interests of farmers within her region and nationally.
"She brought a very grounded farmer face to the table."
Her sense of community was reinforced when, immediately after standing down from B+LNZ, she served as a councillor on the district council and elected mayor, he said.
Former Central South Island Farmer Council chairman Bill Wright said she was engaged, selfless and dedicated as a director.
She loved serving farmers both as a B+LNZ director and councillor, he said.
He said she served with empathy and listened with respect to anyone who had an opinion when farmers were dealing with real challenges, including increased legislation.
She began as a councillor for the Mackenzie district in 2016 and was elected mayor in 2022, leading through the early stages of the Local Water Done Well reforms and the district plan review.
Her leadership was described by the district council as being calm, capable and deeply community-minded.
"She valued collaboration, open-minded discussion, and respect in every conversation. She remained steadfastly true to her values and was never afraid to stand up for what she believed was right."
