Rockhampton nurse slain in front of her kids 'would want others to seek help'

The grieving brother of a Rockhampton nurse, allegedly murdered by her estranged husband in front of her kids, says she would want other women to seek help.

Rockhampton woman Karen Gilliland, 42, was stabbed to death in front of her children in an alleged domestic violence attack at her home. Source: Facebook

Bryan Cranston hopes the horrific death of his intensely private sister, allegedly at the hands of her estranged husband, will encourage others to reach out for help.

Hundreds of people have joined a virtual vigil for slain Rockhampton nurse Karen Gilliland, who died in a stabbing attack witnessed by two of her three children on Tuesday.

Nigel Gilliland, who was estranged from his wife, has been charged with her murder.

Mr Cranston spoke at a candlelight vigil for his beloved sister, held on the banks of Rockhampton's Fitzroy River on Sunday night and streamed online.

He said Karen always put her own needs behind those of others, and was a guarded person who didn't readily share details about her private life.

"She always had this great personality but it was a front," he said.

"That is a message that she would want to be taken from all of this - ask for help, it's not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength."

Mr Cranston has set up a Go Fund Me page for his sister's son and two daughters, the youngest just six.

"Karen loved these children more than anything in this world. Our hearts break as we think of the journey ahead for them, navigating life without their amazing mother," he has written on the page.

"Rest assured, they are safe in the loving arms of our family and we will do everything we can to give them the guidance and support that Karen would have wanted."