Zoe worked for years to build a life for herself. On Sunday, it was taken from her.

Zoe Walker was determined to carve out her own path. And she did.

A small business owner, Zoe was proud of her career as a painter in a male-dominated field. Her determination helped her to buy her own home in Melbourne's east.

She was gritty, strong and kind — someone who had the time of day for anyone in need.

On Sunday morning, Zoe's life was cut short at 38 years old.

Police were called to a home on Seaby Avenue in Upper Ferntree Gully about 7.50am following reports that a person had died.

Inside, officers found a woman's body.

It was Zoe.

Zoe is the 43rd Australian woman killed this year, according to Sherele Moody's Australian Femicide Watch.

Speaking to The Age, Zoe's father Robert Walker described his daughter as someone who struggled but had so much determination.

"If she had something, she was going to hang onto it, and she was independent — that was the most important thing for her," he said.

Just last month, Zoe shared a reflection on her career, acknowledging how far she'd come.

"Qualified since 2014 through apprenticeships Australia! How times have changed," she wrote, alongside a photo of her trade certificate from Swinburne University of Technology.

Robert said Zoe's death was the second tragedy to hit the family in a decade after her brother took his life in 2016.

"She was just a sparkly, lovely human being," he said.

"The consequences are going to resonate."

He told The Age he received the call while travelling in the Northern Territory with his partner. Initially, he considered cutting their trip short to head back to Melbourne but decided he was better off in the country, where they could "sit with our thoughts".

"Rob felt that we should complete our mission to Darwin. Hopefully the vastness and quiet, and long hours in the car will offer a chance to reflect, share stories and come to terms with this senseless death," his partner shared on social media.

Zoe has been remembered as a determined, hardworking woman who helped others. Image: Facebook.

Social media photos show Zoe beaming alongside girlfriends, and sitting with her brother in the years before his death.

A high school friend remembered her as someone who was "passionate about her industry, and had time for anyone who wanted a quick chat and a laugh too, lending a hand to people she loved and her community."

Police arrested a 46-year-old Upper Ferntree Gully man, who was known to Zoe, at the scene and have since charged him with murder.

The Age reports the man was allegedly Zoe's partner.

Police said he appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday evening and was remanded to reappear in December.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Mamamia has contacted Zoe's family for further comment.

Feature image: Facebook/ZoeWalker.