The family of a woman who died in hospital days after being rescued from a burning house in Brisbane's north has paid tribute to the "devoted" grandmother on the same day a court was told a man has refused to face court accused of her murder.
Alexis Parkes, 50, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after being pulled from the house on Bundal Street, Chermside, on Wednesday morning, but she passed away yesterday.
James Morton Mason, 43, was originally charged with arson and attempted murder, and was due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday morning on an upgraded count of murder.
But the police prosecutor told the court Mr Mason had been refusing to instruct his duty lawyer or leave his watch house cell to face court.
The case was adjourned to March 9.
Ms Parkes' children — Tyron Parkes, Cameron Newbold, Mackayla Parkes and Brandon Parkes — released a statement outside court saying the family was "deeply grateful" for her neighbours' efforts in trying to rescue her, "especially Michael Kramarenko who risked his life attempting to free her".
"Michael also visited her in hospital before we said goodbye," the statement said.
Ms Parkes was remembered by her family as a devoted mother and aged care worker "with a passion for helping the vulnerable" and tending to her garden vegetable.
"Alexis loved caring for her grandchildren, referring to them as her 'G-babies'," her children said.
"Her youngest granddaughter, aged four, has been comforted by knowing Nanny is 'in the clouds now'.
"This loss has hit the family very hard, especially because the siblings lost their father tragically at a young age."
The family also thanked police and the team at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital's intensive care unit and burns unit for treating her with the "utmost respect and the greatest care".
