Aunty Frances Mathyssen (née Briggs) remains a much-loved figure and senior elder at her home in Shepparton.

Born in 1929 60 kilomentres northwest of the town on Cummeragunga Reserve, across the Murray in New South Wales, Aunty Frances led a life of advocacy, activism and pioneering effort for her people.

The Dhulanyagen Ulupna woman of the Yorta Yorta Nation made strides for the welfare of First Nations people with her work over the better part of a century.

Aunty Frances passed on July 18, aged 93.

Her community are invited to celebrate her life with a memorial at Shepparton Showgrounds on Friday.

Aunty Frances got to work started early. She was only nine years old when she joined her parents and 200 others in the Cummeragunga Walk Off, a historic protest against the cruel treatment her people had endured at the mission.

She later propelled the establishment of the first state-wide Aboriginal Welfare Committee and from her own home co-founded the Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative and Medical Service in Shepparton.

Her life's work resulted in remarkable steps forward for Aboriginal Victorians.

Aunty Frances staunchly campaigned for women's equality, land rights and improved service delivery.

"Our Mother advocated for the need for continuous improvement and access to services for her community," Aunty Frances' daughter Leanne Miller said.

"She never gave up believing in self-determination and the rights of Yorta Yorta people. Right to the end she was a supporter of tradition with an investment in future change.

"She has left a lengthy legacy for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren."

Aunty Frances was surrounded by her husband Bill and family in her final moments.

The memorial celebrating her life begins at 11am at the McIntosh Centre, Shepparton Showgrounds, Friday August 8.