Teresa Wishart was found with head injuries at her home in Changford Road, Kirkby, Merseyside, on Thursday.
In a tribute issued via Merseyside Police, her family said: "Our mum lived in the same house in Kirkby since 1967 after moving there from Liverpool city centre.
"Along with our dad Christie, she brought up her four children.
"Her passion in life was her children, her faith and her home.
"She regularly attended St Mary's RC Church in Northwood where she was a much loved and respected parishioner.
"She took great pride in her house, keeping it in perfect condition, which extended to the road outside.
"Everyone knew her in the local area and she was much loved and respected by friends and neighbours alike.
"We as a family, including her grandchildren and great grandchildren, are devastated and heartbroken by this senseless act of violence.
"An innocent pensioner should have been safe and secure to live out the latter years of her life in the peace and comfort of her own home she worked so hard on all her life.
"We would like to thank everyone for their kind acts, words and thoughts."
Charles Stapleton, 51, was due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday accused of the murder of Mrs Wishart and burglary.
