Irene Brindley, founder of Animal Rescue in Blackpool, died on Friday. She was 74.
The mother of two, who suffered from a heart condition, collapsed on Bank Hey Street while out shopping.
Mrs Brindley's daughter Michelle Cannon, today said her family had been left devastated by her mum's sudden death.
She said: "Mum did so much, she never stopped, even when she started getting older. She did a parachute jump well into her 40s and must have raised thousands for various charities over the years.
"She was a wonderful mum and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was so well loved by so many people and was one of those people who really made a difference. She affected people's lives and saved countless dogs. I know she will be truly missed."
Mrs Brindley, of Kensington Road, Blackpool, will be remembered for her fund-raising efforts and the creation of the weekly Bilsborrow car boot sale which supported her charity work, caring for abandoned dogs.
Mrs Brindley raised money from car boot sales and charity events to pay vets' bills for other people and even took private prosecutions to court in animal cruelty cases.
Her love of animals could be traced back to a stint in her younger days working as a rough rider in the circus riding horses bareback. She also supported the RNLI and North West Air Ambulance along with her beloved animal charities.
Former Roly Poly Mo Moreland said she was shocked to hear of her friend's death. She said: "Irene was a wonderful woman, she had a heart of gold. I have never known anyone so dedicated to her animals. She would go out in all weather to collect an abandoned dog."
And friend Tracy Dawson, widow of the late comedian Les Dawson, who also helped Mrs Brindley with fund-raising, added: "Irene was such a kind lady, she would do anything for anyone, especially animals."
Family and friends will gather for a funeral service at St Kentigern's Church on Newton Drive on Wednesday November 30 at 10.15am followed by a burial service at Lytham Park Cemetery.