The mother-of-four died on Tuesday in a light plane crash in Sydney.

She was 48.

Colleague and friend of almost 20 years Louise Harper said Mrs Sheppard was a daughter, sister, partner, mother, midwife, nurse, “awesome” soccer player and friend.

“Kathy’s many loves included her four girls – Rachel, Nicky, Stephanie and Erin – their father Glenn, her partner Ron O’Brien, her extended family and, of course, us,” Mrs Harper said, speaking on behalf of colleagues and friends.

She loved soccer, flying, midwifery, caring for women and their families, and helped to bring new life into the world.

That love of flying saw Mrs Sheppard work as a flight nurse for patient transfer specialists, Wingaway Air, for about 10 years.

The King Creek woman also worked at the former Hastings District Hospital and in the maternity and paediatric units at Port Macquarie Base Hospital since its opening.

“She loved her friends and was always bright and bubbly, a joy to work with and liked by all,” Mrs Harper said.

“Kathy had a wicked sense of humour and was the instigator of many practical jokes, including Glad Wrap over the loo and confetti above the doorway.

“Kathy was the person you wanted to work with – when there was time to have fun, but also when there were emergencies – her calm, level head was always reassuring in a crisis.”

Mrs Sheppard, Glenn Sheppard and their friend Rae Condon attended many women and their families during home births.

Mrs Harper said her friend was an amazing midwife, with excellent intuition and safe skills.

“Kathy saw birth as a miracle and a privilege to be part of. Her care of so many families will last a lifetime, regardless of where or how long ago that baby was born,” she said.

“Kathy was one of the Sheppard ‘girls’, who were the stars of our soccer team, Midwives and Mayhem. Despite the majority of the team having little or no soccer skills, we managed to bamboozle the opposition and win the six-a-side Women’s B grade final in 2001.

“Friends from across Australia are joined in their grief and sorrow with the sudden and tragic loss of Kathy’s life,” Mrs Harper said.

“So, Kathy, we thank you for your unconditional love; your wonderful sense of humour; your warmth; your inspiration and your friendship.

“It has been a privilege to work with you and we have been truly blessed to be part of your life – you will always live on in our hearts.”

A statement from the Sheppard family said they were deeply appreciative for the love and support the community had shown.

“Kathy will be missed for her unwavering passion for her daughters and her dedication to her work as a nurse and midwife,” the statement said