Penny Bailey's family urged to stay strong

The circumstances of Penny Bailey's death were horrific, but her brother has urged the younger members of her family to stay strong and hopeful for the future.

Ms Bailey's son Stephen Patrick Bailey, 34, is in a secure psychiatric hospital charged with his mother's murder.

Her body was found in bush at Donvale last Thursday, several days after both of them disappeared from the Mont Albert unit they shared.

At her funeral in Melbourne on Thursday, Greg Kerr remembered his sister as a warm and generous woman who performed missionary work in Papua New Guinea at the age of 18.

He said his sister did charity work, was a natural athlete, eschewed mobile phones and computers but maintained a loving relationship with her family and friends.

Mr Kerr expressed his hope his family would rise above the tragedy.

"To all the youngsters here: you are the future of this strong and proud family.

"Stick together. Keep your heads up," he said in his eulogy.

"What happened to Penny is terrible and it's real, but do not think that this is the way of the world because it's not.

"If you find yourselves doing it tough, reach out to the people you trust. Talk it through.

"Go out there and continue to live good and happy lives. Do your best, be kind and compassionate.

"Be true to yourselves, remember to smile, and above all, go out and chase your dreams. Penny would love that."

Stephen Bailey is being held in custody at the Thomas Embling Hospital.

The case is expected to return to court in February.

Ms Bailey, 59, had three children, and was the daughter of former Carlton footballer Laurie Kerr and his wife Vivienne, who is the club's No.1 female ticket holder.