Up to 1000 farewell slain Vic mum

More mourners than townsfolk have turned out to farewell murdered mum Karen Chetcuti in the tiny northeast Victorian town she called home.

Barely 500 people live in Whorouly, near Wangaratta, but up to 1000 paid their respects at a public funeral service for Ms Chetcuti, most wearing her favourite colour, green.

Ms Chetcuti was last seen at the local pub where she was once the publican on Tuesday, January 12.

Her car was found burning near Myrtleford two days later, sparking a search that ended on January 18 when her charred remains were located at the nearby Lake Buffalo Weir wall.

Neighbour Michael Cardamone, 48, has been charged with Ms Chetcuti's murder and breaching his parole.

Mourners at the service, held at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve, were led by her heartbroken teenage children Kate and Jack and her ex-husband, Tony.

Ms Chetcuti and her former husband traded suburban Melbourne for a new life in Whorouly, where they ran the hotel until selling out 20 years ago.

Local and family friend Lance White said Ms Chetcuti quickly became an integral part of the town.

"We must remember why Karen wanted to live in here," he told mourners.

He said it was the "community spirit" and that Karen would want to see it shine through, "today, tomorrow and always".

Floral tributes were left at the front gate of her farm, Jade Valley, following the service.