'Strong, kind': medical mentor and former MP farewelled

Former Liberal MP Katie Allen has been farewelled in a touching memorial service attended by political, academic and medical leaders.

Professor Allen served as the member for the Victorian seat of Higgins, which has since been abolished, from 2019 to 2022.

She died at the age of 59 in December after developing a rare form of cancer.

More than 1000 people attended Dr Allen's memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne on Thursday, leaving only standing room.

Mourners were turned away as the church reached capacity.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, former leader Peter Dutton, along with other members of the Liberals including leadership aspirants Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor were among the mourners.

A who's who of Victorian Liberal luminaries also paid their respects including former premier Jeff Kennett and former federal treasurer Peter Costello.

Dr Allen authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications in leading medical journals and was an authority on pediatric food allergy, changing how it is diagnosed and managed in Australia and abroad.

A mentor to a number of scientists, doctors and students, Dr Allen was also an ambassador for Eating Disorders Families Australia.

Former health minister Greg Hunt described his colleague as having a "spine of steel".

"Her empathy, intellect and focus had a lasting impact on countless lives," he told the service.

"She was strong, she was kind. She did not yield and we will miss her."

Her children Archie, Arabella, Jemima and Monty reflected on their final moments with their mum.

"Even when she was so vulnerable, even when she was in unbearable pain, she was still thinking about how she could help others," Archie said.

"She was truly a remarkable person."

Her daughter Arabella told the service: "I love you so much mum. We'll carry your light."

Toni Meath, principal of Melbourne Girls' Grammar School, said Dr Allen was ambitious, responsible, and gifted.

"We are so very proud of her contribution to the fabric of our school, and to Australia and the world," she said.

"There is profound grief and sense of loss and disbelief that someone so brilliant is no longer with us."

Liberal senator Jane Hume paid tribute to the scientist she said demonstrated the need to have different perspectives within the parliament, pointing to her expertise during the COVID pandemic.

"She will be greatly missed by her colleagues and by her friends and her beautiful family of four very accomplished children," Senator Hume told Sky News.

"This is going to be a very sad day for the Liberal Party. She was one of the best among us and she has left us too soon."