She was also a devoted mother of three young daughters.

The 30-year-old became an Australian citizen more than five years ago, after moving to Australia from Britain, where some of her family remains.

Ms Conlon had made a life for herself in Canberra and was employed as a carer for children.

But her life was cut short this week after a family member found her dead on Wednesday with multiple stab wounds.

Her sudden death has left many people in shock.

''It's just awful … it's just very, very sad,'' one friend said.

Another friend told The Canberra Times yesterday: ''She loved her kids very dearly and demonstrated that love.''

Ms Conlon loved helping people and worked as a carer for the aged, disabled and, more recently, children.

''If she had a love, it was helping people,'' her friend said.

''What she was best at was caring for people and helping people in a nursing and caring type role.

''She will be missed by many people here and abroad.''

A Hawker man accused of the stabbing murder of the young woman earlier this week is being held on remand.

Aleksander Vojneski made a brief appearance in the ACT Magistrates Court yesterday morning where he was formally charged with the murder of Ms Conlon.

Police have alleged she suffered multiple stab wounds, and Vojneski is understood to have been in a relationship with Ms Conlon.

The 28-year-old was dressed in a blue forensic suit when he faced magistrate Peter Dingwall yesterday.

His lawyer, Peter Woodhouse, entered no pleas on his client's behalf and made no application for bail.

The charge before the court alleges Vojneski killed Ms Conlon some time between Tuesday and Wednesday.

The defendant's mother was in the public gallery for the brief hearing.

Ms Conlon was this week described by neighbours as a quiet woman who kept to herself.