Rosemary Franzidis, 69, died after a high-impact collision at an intersection north of Brisbane.
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter after being accused of stealing an Audi at gun point and crashing into Ms Franzidis' Toyota at Murrumba Downs on Thursday morning.
Her family said Ms Franzidis would be sorely missed by her husband of almost 50 years, her three daughters and "three beautiful grandchildren".
The 69-year-old would be fondly remembered by friends and family in South Africa, the UK, Australia and the US, the family said.
"Rosemary Franzidis was a much-loved wife, mother, and grandmother, who cherished her family more than anything in the world," a family statement said.
"A woman of strong faith, she had many church friends who will remember her fondly.
"Everybody who met Rose felt her love, kindness and generosity."
Floral tributes have been laid at the crash scene, with bouquets attached to a fence near the Murrumba Downs intersection.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli also paid tribute, vowing to ensure tough laws for youth crime would be in place by Christmas.
The Making Queensland Safer Laws are being drafted and will be law by Christmas.— David Crisafulli (@DavidCrisafulli) November 8, 2024
Mr Crisafulli had campaigned hard on youth crime before winning the state election on October 26.
His Liberal National Party government on Friday said it had instructed the Department of Justice to begin drafting the Making Queensland Safer Laws to be introduced to parliament later in November.
They include "adult crime, adult time" laws and removing detention as a last resort for juvenile offenders.
The premier said while the fatal crash investigation was in its early stages, news of what had unfolded would be "harrowing" for Queenslanders.
"A family is coming to terms with the loss of a loved one and the thoughts and prayers of an entire state are with them - they are owed answers," he said in a statement.
Opposition Leader and Murrumba MP Steven Miles said his community was hurting over the "terrible incident", offering his support to the victim's family before taking aim at the premier.
Devastated to hear a woman has lost her life in a serious crash in Murrumba Downs this morning.— Steven Miles (@StevenJMiles) We are thinking of her family, friends and loved ones at this time.Our thoughts are also with the first responders who attended and the community members who witnessed the incident.November 7, 2024
"We've already seen David Crisafulli rush to politicise this tragedy. I won't be doing that but this has affected my local community," Mr Miles said.
Ms Franzidis was trapped in the Toyota and died at the scene despite paramedics' attempts to resuscitate her.
The Audi also allegedly hit an unmarked police vehicle at the intersection, hospitalising two officers who were later released.
Police said a firearm was found in the Audi.
The 16-year-old was taken to hospital and placed under police guard.
He was later charged with manslaughter, armed robbery and unlawful use of a motor vehicle as well as two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
He was due to appear in Brisbane Children's Court on Friday.
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