TEACHERS, parents and students fell silent at Wheatvale State School yesterday to honour and remember local lady Narelle Pails.

The school was commemorating the opening of its new hall but principal Peter Cuskelly said the day of celebration was subdued as the community mourned the death of Mrs Pails.

Mr Cuskelly said it was only "appropriate" the people gathered in the grounds took a moment to reflect on the community's loss.

Sniffles could be heard as the students, parents, teachers and guests all bowed their heads for one minute of silence.

The 42-year-old mother-of-two died Wednesday night after she was bitten by a snake.

Mr Cuskelly paid tribute to Mrs Pails and her work with the school.

"Our thoughts are with her husband Paul, son Nicholas and daughter Emma," Mr Cuskelly said.

"Narelle was an active member of the Wheatvale Parents and Citizens Association for many years."

He said as an executive member of the association, Mrs Pails played a pivotal role in getting the Pepperina Place building moved from Clintonvale State School to Wheatvale State School about seven years ago.

Both of her children attended Wheatvale State School for their primary school education.

Member for Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg was at the opening of the new Building Education Revolution building.

He said he had even felt the shock and devastation of Mrs Pails' death when he was in Millmerran the previous evening.

Mr Springborg was a guest at the Millmerran State School awards night, where he met Mrs Pails' sister, who lives in the town.

"Narelle's sister was there with (Mrs Pails') nephew being a recipient of an award," he said.

"I spoke to the sister and it was certainly a sombre mood for many people there.

"Narelle and her family were well known to those people there as well as here."

Mr Springborg said it was a day of mixed emotions for the school and it was obvious the Warwick community was still in shock.

"It's a tragedy for the community but triply devastating for the family," he said.

"Her contribution will always be appreciated."

The communities of Warwick and surrounding townships were still coming to terms with the loss of the well-loved Warwick Hospital nurse described by friends as a dedicated mother and generous person.

Mrs Pails grew up in the area. Her parents Ron and Val Shelley own property at Freestone.

It was still unclear where Mrs Pails was at the time of the incident.

Some reports have said she was in her garden when the snake bit her but others have said she was out walking. It has not been revealed what kind of snake bit Mrs Pails or how many times.

The emergency services received a call, reportedly from Mrs Pails' 15-year-old son Nicholas, at 4.50pm Wednesday afternoon.

Paramedics rushed to a property 16km west of Warwick. Mrs Pails was given CPR, taken to the Warwick Hospital and given antivenom but died just after 7pm.

Hospital staff have been offered counselling.

A coronial inquest will be made