AN 84-year-old West Wallsend woman was killed yesterday after she was pinned between her gate and a ute and caravan, being driven by her partner of more than 35 years.

Joy Hodder died after the accident, which occurred in the driveway of her Brown Street home.

Mrs Hodder and her long-time partner, Dave Hughes, 71, were returning home from a caravan club gathering at Catherine Hill Bay about 2pm, when the incident happened.

Newcastle crash investigation police said they were investigating the incident, which Mrs Hodders family described as a freak accident.

Family members said Mrs Hodder got out of the vehicle to open double gates.

With only one gate opened, the ute accidentally surged forward, pinning her to the other gate, before it gave way and she went under the vehicle and caravan.

Mrs Hodder, nicknamed Joycie, had five children including a foster child she raised from eight months old, 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Daughter Sandra Huddleston said she lived for the kids.

Mrs Hodder and Mr Hughes were keen caravaners and members of caravan and motorhome clubs.