Woman to face court over Sydney 'murder'

A woman is set to face a Sydney court charged with the murder of a "sweet old lady" inside her home on the city's northern beaches.

Police discovered May Ritchie, 81, dead on the floor of her Freshwater unit about 8pm on Sunday after responding to concerns for her welfare.

A 49-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and then charged with murder at Manly Police Station on Monday evening.

She is expected to face Manly Local Court on Tuesday.

Ms Ritchie's boyfriend Bob Lyford paid tribute to his beloved and said her death has left big hole in his heart.

"She was the most wonderful, cheerful, loving person that you'd ever meet in your life," he told Network Seven.

Neighbours have also praised the "sweet old lady with a lovely Scottish accent" who'd lived at unit complex more than 30 years.

"She was just a little piece of sunshine to our mornings and afternoons. We can't believe this has happened to her," Virginia Mounsey told Network Seven.