Robyn Ferguson broke into 37 homes in Yarrawonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Cobram and Rutherglen over a two-year period, often targeting retired pensioners and in some instances even returning to hit properties a second time.

Each home was ransacked as Ferguson, 44, stole anything that appeared to be of value, in what Wangaratta County Court judge Marilyn Harbison described as "brazen" crimes that would have left every victim with "feelings of violation".

One victim had been attending the funeral of his wife when Ferguson ransacked his home.

The mother of three yesterday pleaded  guilty to 76 charges -- 36 of burglary, 35  of theft and five of drug trafficking -- arising out of offending between July 2011 and October last year.

She kept her head down during much of the plea hearing, dark brown hair falling across her face, and remained expressionless as Judge Harbison sent her to jail with a non-parole period of five years.

The court was told how each crime followed a similar pattern: Ferguson would break in, usually via a window, before raiding the homes for jewellery, antique coins, safes and electronic goods like cameras and laptops.

Among the victims were Rutherglen’s Ray Meyer, who was attending his wife’s funeral when Ferguson robbed his home on October 30, 2012.

He returned to find his home ransacked and $63,000 worth of goods — including his late wife’s jewellery bequeathed to his daughters — stolen.

Only two items were returned, an emerald ring and a necklace — that Ferguson was wearing when she was arrested last year.

Mr Meyer attended court yesterday, supported by two of his daughters, and was relieved at having the matter resolved.

“It wasn’t the value of the jewellery,” he said outside court.

“I wouldn’t put my finger on any sentence ... this has gone on too long, she’s hurt too many people.”

His daughter Pauline Bryans said they could “never forgive” Ferguson for taking the mementos of her mother.

Judge Harbison recognised those sentiments in court, telling Ferguson many of the stolen items were “worthless to you, but invaluable to (the victims)”.

“They cannot be replaced by an insurance claim,” she said.

Seventeen victim impact statements were tendered, describing how some victims were compelled to move after the burglaries, feeling unsafe, while others told how their children had suffered nightmares.

Ferguson was eventually caught when CCTV caught her breaking into a home in Pinniger Street, Yarrawonga, on September 5 last year, leading police to arrest her on September 25.

While in custody, she unwittingly told two undercover officers she had committed at least 40 other burglaries.

In the month following her release as investigations continued, she sold the same two officers ice, cannabis and a number of stolen jewellery items, before police raided her home on November 28, seizing more than 500 stolen items.

The court was told Ferguson had 66 prior convictions for burglary and 70 for theft.