Hazel Hawke has been remembered as a woman of her times who was devoted to her children and husband but eventually found her own voice – only to have it snatched away by Alzheimer’s.
Her husband, former Prime Minister Bob Hawke joined other dignitaries and political figures at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday for a memorial service to honour her life and contribution to the community.
Guests included John Howard and his wife Janette and Paul Keating and his former wife Annita.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and former PM Kevin Rudd also joined thousands of members of the public to pay tribute to Hazel Hawke.
Hazel’s children Stephen and Susan Pieters-Hawke spoke fondly of their mother.
Peiters-Hawke said Hazel was “the most wonderful mum” with an “instinctive, uncontrived tendency” to pull towards a positive view of every situation.
Her grandson David Dillon said she was a woman like no other who stood in a league of her own.
“A devoted mother, a proud Australian, a great friend and a loving grandmother,” he said.
Journalist Margaret Throsby remembered Hazel Hawke as a champion of many causes and a lover of music as well as an accomplished musician.
“She studied piano from an early age, she continued playing through her adult life until the `big A’ got her,” she said.
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The service included pieces of music dear to Hazel, including a Mozart piano concerto which she had performed herself in the Opera House in 1990.
Hazel Hawke was married to Bob Hawke during his time in power from 1983 to 1991.
They divorced in 1995 after almost 40 years of marriage. Hazel Hawke died on May 23 aged 83 after succumbing to dementia.
