Singing coach and music teacher Dorothy Morris passed away holding her children's hands on September 11, just two months after losing the love of her life, husband of almost 70 years, John.

Both Order of Australia Medal recipients, Mr and Mrs Morris have been honoured by many friends, family, students and former colleagues - testimony to their community standing.

The Mercury paid tribute to Mr Morris at the time of his death. Mrs Morris was as equally loved, appreciated and admired as her husband.

She taught many to sing, she volunteered and was a driving force in the Maitland arts community.

So it was fitting she was farewelled at a service brimming with music - in particular Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Mrs Morris, 95, was born in Maitland and was a student at St Ethel's Public and Maitland Girls High schools. "She taught singing and piano but was well known for her singing at so many events in Mailtand," said daughter Louise Tillman. "I remember the nurses' graduations as an example plus of course all the charity shows. She was a member of the Methodist Church choir - now the Uniting Church, for 70 years and was choir conductor for 50 years," she said.

Louise said her mother taught music and singing to thousands and was also Maitland repertory's musical director for at least 50 years.

"She had her singing group In Accord. She did concerts when we were children - The Sound of Music being her favourite. She would do concerts at aged care homes. She did lamington drives for the church and helped with the Munch Program. She worked with kids at Junior Repertory as well."

Mrs Morris has been described by her family as a mother and a grandmother to so many people. "As well as being our mother and the grandmother of our three kids, Hannah, Nicholas and Thomas. She and dad even went to Grandparents Day at school for one of her pupils who didn't have a grandparent."

As for her children, Louise and Stuart were no strangers to the stage. "The Show must go on was the way mum lived her life. She would be singing at events and I would sit on the floor beside her as a toddler. As a baby Stuart would spend time in a basket hidden under a table with a tablecloth while we did concerts. All the neighbours' kids were put into shows. If you couldn't sing it didn't matter - she would teach them.

Mrs Morris died surrounded by her family. "As we held her hand she had a vice-like grip till the end. She was an icon - this is the end of an era. She touched so many people," Louise said.