The cousin of Trudy Dreyer says there are "no words" to describe the loss of the 49-year-old mother and mine worker killed in a suspected murder-suicide at Doyles Creek.
Kim Ryan, of Brisbane, described her cousin as "brimming with life and joy". She said Ms Dreyer had only recently been in Noosa with her family to celebrate her nan's 100th birthday.
"Our family is heartbroken," Ms Ryan said.
"She was a wonderful mother, loving sister and deserved so much better than this.
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"She should be here with us right now but instead she has been taken from us by the man she was meant to be able to trust most in this world."
Ms Dreyer had a brother and was the mother of two teenage children, from a former relationship, who are currently being cared for by family.
Officers found Ms Dreyer's body at her home on Thursday, alongside that of her partner's. Police believe the 48-year-old man shot Ms Dreyer before turning the gun on himself.
The pair worked at Mount Arthur Coal near Muswellbrook.
Ms Dreyer was an employee of mine owner BHP. It is understood her partner worked for a mining service provider on the site.
BHP is offering workers counselling through its Employee Assistance Program.
