On Friday night the much-loved and respected woman died at Lourdes Hospital, just hours after returning to Dubbo.

In May, the 70-year-old underwent an operation for a brain tumour at a Sydney hospital and son Gerard said since then her mind was set on returning home.

Yesterday, the “large but tight” family was planning to farewell the woman whose death left “a big hole” in their lives.

With husband Edgar, known as “Bunny”, Mrs Dunn raised 11 children and then fostered many more.

“Mum was well known throughout Dubbo. She was an Aboriginal elder and pretty well respected,” Gerard Dunn said.

“(Caring for foster children) was built into her, she was all about giving.

“It was never about her, she was always about others.”

The brain tumour was discovered this year and Mrs Dunn underwent an operation at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on May 6.

She was brought back to Dubbo on June 18, but on August 27 was taken back to Sydney and then to Wellington at the start of this month.

Mr Dunn spoke of his mother’s dignity and determination during this time.

“She didn’t ask questions, she didn’t argue, she accepted what the doctors said,” he said.

“She worked really hard against the odds to do anything to be back with her family.”

He also paid tribute to his sisters.

“Jody was Mum’s carer and had a special bond with her,” he said.

“Jody was her rock through all that time and Rebecca was also there for Mum.”

Mrs Dunn’s funeral will be held on Friday and Mr Dunn expected a large crowd, with people travelling from Queensland and across the state to congregate with Dubbo family and friends.

“We’re a very large family, but a very tight one,” he said.

The funeral at St Brigid’s Catholic Church will feature songs that “epitomised Mum”.

Among the list are Beautiful Girl, The Rose, Everything I Do, I Do It For You and The World’s Greatest Mum.

Mrs Dunn’s 33 grandchildren and five great grandchildren plan to form a guard of honour at the service, which starts at 1.30pm.