Grieving whānau and friends are preparing to farewell Matekino Sherilee Kanarahi Wright, who lost her life while attempting to cross the confluence of the Otara and Waioweka Rivers at Ōpōtiki on Sunday.

The body of the 36-year-old was recovered from the water near Moutohorā on Tuesday afternoon.

Yesterday, the dearly loved mother of two remained with the coroner.

On her release, she was due to return to Whakatāne to spend a night with her whānau before making her way to Te Hokowhitu-a-tū Marae in Whakatāne to be farewelled by whānau, friends and loved ones.

Wright has been described as a “fiercely loving, humble and loyal wahine” whose love for her whānau knew no bounds and who gave her whole heart to the people she loved.