At work, she was admired for her legal skills, vivacious nature and razor-sharp intelligence.
At home with her three children and husband, she was the world.
Now her family are struggling to comprehend a life without Katrina Dawson after her death following a 16-and-a-half hour siege near her Sydney office.
The 38-year-old barrister with Eight Selborne chambers was at the Lindt cafe in Martin Place on Monday morning when a gunman stormed in and took patrons and staff hostage.
Police went in after 2am on Tuesday, gunfire erupted and Ms Dawson was one of two hostages who died after being rushed to hospital.
Sydney's legal fraternity stood still on Tuesday as news of the lawyer's death spread.
"She was very lovely. A very vivacious, happy, loving woman. A very loving mother, she was a fabulous person. We all worked with her. We all knew her quite well," Penny, a workmate, told AAP.
"We miss her terribly."
Among those grieving in the legal community was her brother, Sandy Dawson, who is a highly regarded defamation barrister.
The NSW Bar Association paid tribute to one of their "best and brightest".
"Katrina was one of our best and brightest barristers who will be greatly missed by her colleagues and friends of the NSW bar," association president Jane Needham SC said.
Ms Dawson excelled in her studies, topping the state in the Higher School Certificate in 1994 and her bar exams.
Her school in Sydney's east, Ascham, said Ms Dawson was generous with her time.
"Katrina is remembered affectionately as an outstanding student who excelled in all aspects of school life and was much loved by her peers and teachers alike," head of school Andrew Powell said.
"She was generous in the giving of her time, and this year Katrina used her skills as a barrister to guide our senior students in preparing for mock trials.
"Our hearts go out to Katrina's entire family, including her husband, Paul, and her children, Chloe, Sasha and Oliver."
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