Victorian councillor and former Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter has been remembered by family and friends as "fearlessly intelligent" and a "tireless advocate". 

The 45-year-old councillor was found dead in her home in early August, prompting an outpouring of tributes from friends and colleagues who were left shocked and saddened over the sudden loss.

At a funeral service on Friday, Victorian minister Natalie Hutchins, a long-time friend and mentor, remembered Ms Carter as "brilliant and captivating".

"We were each other's biggest supporters. You had my back and I had yours," Ms Hutchins said.

"Sarah, you are a true queen, you had the ability to make every individual feel like they are the most important person in the room.

"You knew that it was possible to live your dreams. That's a terrific reality that a lot of people are scared of, but ... you perfectly embodied it.

"This is a really devastating loss for us, and Sarah I will miss you beyond words and I love you."

Ms Hutchins passed on condolences from Premier Jacinta Allan, and announced the establishment of the annual Sarah Carter Memorial Award, to recognise outstanding women on behalf of the Australian Workers' Union.

Councillor Cuc Lam, the current mayor of Maribyrnong, also spoke at the service, commending Ms Carter's legacy as the city's first three-term female mayor.

'Life's work' at Save the Children

Those gathered at the service also heard of Ms Carter's efforts with charity organisation Save the Children, which one friend described as Ms Carter's "life's work".

Mat Tinkler, CEO of the organisation, shared memories of offering Ms Carter the job of leading a program to visit aid and development programs overseas.

"You said it was the dream job, and I said 'I think you're the dream candidate'.

"You turned a kernel of an idea into a legacy program that has shifted hearts and minds for a decade.

"There will never be another you, but we will never forget who you were and what you did for us."

Ms Carter's mother, who asked Ms Hutchins to read out her eulogy, said remembering her daughter's achievements made her heart "swell with pride".

"Sarah was not only my daughter, but I was also fortunate enough to call her my best friend," Ms Hutchins read.

"Reading through the many tributes to my daughter from colleagues and friends, I'm in awe of how respected and loved Sarah was. I thank you all for sharing those wonderful stories and experiences that you had with her.

"Sarah may not be able to be with us anymore, but I hope you will remember her as the intelligent, vivacious and caring woman who set out singly to make a difference in many people's lives.

Ms Carter's partner, Nikhil Roy, said it was important to channel grief into action to "keep her legacy alive".

"I feel fate has reached in and ripped out my soul. My grief knows no bounds," he said.

"She helped me believe in love. Real, unconditional love, and a life worth living.

"We all must endure this with as much grace, dignity, humility and courage we can muster."