It comes as Ms Goodbun’s ex-husband, 60-year-old Keith Owen Goodbun, is charged over the shooting death and six other offences. Maitland Local Court heard on Friday that Mr Goodbun had allegedly breached an apprehended violence order.

Ms Goodbun’s Bella Street neighbours, who live in the Maitland suburb of Horseshoe Bend, said on Sunday they were devastated to lose their friend.

Many of those neighbours were gathered in the street still grieving the sudden loss.

“She was a beautiful woman,” said Peter O’Connor, who lived across the road from Ms Goodbun and had known her for more than two decades.

“She got along with everyone – it didn’t matter who you were, Molly had time for you. That was who she was. Everyone loved Molly.”

Ms Goodbun was a mother to Rachel and Bionca, and a long-term volunteer with Maitland’s Salvation Army.

“Everyone who knew her got along with her,” Debbie O’Connor said, choking back tears. 

“She finally worked up the courage to say ‘that’s enough’. It’s tragic.”

Friend Pat Mudde struggled to reconcile how the tragedy could happen.

“You just never know,” she said. “Everyone on this street will tell you she was a lovely person. She wouldn’t hurt a fly. It’s bloody horrible.”

Another neighbour, Cheryl, who declined to have her surname published, paid tribute to Ms Goodbun’s generosity. She said her family had come to know each other through the friendship of their children.

“She was a really kind person, really caring, she would do anything for you,” Cheryl said. 

“It’s really unexpected, that’s for sure.”

Police allege Mr Goodbun entered the property between 3.15am and 4am on Friday before allegedly shooting the 56-year-old at the front door.

Ms Goodbun’s funeral details are yet to be finalised.