We received the sad news on Thursday that Hazel Hawke
had died peacefully after succumbing to complications
of dementia. She died surrounded by family who had been
with her in her last days.

Mrs Hawke was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2001.
She announced it publicly on the ABC's Australian
Story in 2003 in the hope that it would help others.
She gradually withdrew from public life.

I remember reading her daughter's (Sue Pieters-Hawke) book,
"Hazel, My Mother's Story," a few years ago. And being so
impressed by the strength of character of this lovely
lady.

She's someone who I feel all Australians will remember with
great affection and as a lovely, warm, and caring person.
May she rest in peace.
Deep condolences to her family and friends.

Eternal Rest Grant to Them, O Lord
And let Perpetual Light Shine On Them
May They Rest In Peace. Amen.

Thanks Lexi I had hoped this thread would come and I just love the woman.
It will not be easy for about half of us to comment, they are too young to have known of her.
She is the one Labor woman who very rarely got the abuse others from my side get/got.
Many understand, even in the few years to those my age, between her time in the Lodge with Bob, we have come a very long way toward treating women better.
She was, is still in my mind the perfect mother wife and Aussie ambassador
Today? if all knew her as my generation did she would be our prized and praised woman of any year, all off them in fact.

Dear Belly,

I once had the pleasure of meeting her.
It took place quite a few years ago. I
was on my way with my husband to a performance
at the Sydney Opera House when I realised that
amongst the group of women walking in front of
us was Hazel Hawke. I was so excited that I
caught up and introduced myself without even
thinking that perhaps that wasn't the thing to
do. However, as you'd expect, she was absolutely
charming. It was a moment that still lives in
my heart.

I've had my mother-in-law who suffered from Alzheimers.
She passed away a year ago. And my mum also suffers
from dementia.

Hazel did so much good by publicising the illness.
She somehow managed to take the stigma out of it.

Bless her and her family. May they find peace.

Yes, Hazel Hawke seemed like a lovely person and a gracious First Lady during her former husband's Prime Ministership.

Such a pity that such a dignified, private person had to go through the pain of such a public divorce from her womanizing former husband.

Thankfully, she seemed to have a large number of family, friends, and the public to support her through that time.

I thoroughly admired her wish to publicly report her Altzeimers disease at a time when many families preferred to keep such awful mental health problems to themselves.

May she rest in peace.

Hazel Hawke, one of the finest 'political' partners Australia has produced, up there with another wonderful Australian, Margaret Whitlam. Hazel was a truly caring person who is a loss to the Nation. RIP

We should make room in our heads to understand why not many have yet posted.
As I said above her t5ime in the highlight was before many had even been born.
Yet too she is every thing all have said, and much more.
She as is the case for many women stood by a wandering husband.
And rude as it may be, in truth the woman who replaced her has zero chance of ever being loved and respected as much.
Not a needed comment? well maybe but at the seperation many felt that way and still do.
IF this great lady was midlife today and stood for election she would be a great down to earth Prime Minister.

Yes indeed, RIP Hazel.

Dear Belly,

Don't be worried about the number of posts on this
thread. Some people are slower to react. Hazel Hawke,
like any figure in politics will go down in history
for the contributions she made. And she made a great
deal. Paying respect to
someone who has died is simply a gracious act. Like saying
a prayer. It gives blessing to the one who prays, as well to
the person who is prayed for.

May she rest in peace.

She and Bob were an embodiment of the truism that "behind every great man is a great woman". Vale.

I'd like to Thank everyone who's found the time to
contribute to this thread and pay their respects
to this lovely lady. She did not have an easy life,
but her strength of charatcer saw her through some
very difficult times. She inspired many Australians,
and those of us who had the pleasure of meeting her
will remember her with fondness.

My prayers are with her family and friends during this
difficult time.

I too would also like to pay my respects to Mrs Hazel Hawke, a lady with considerable dignity, and with a kind, altruistic heart. It's often said behind every great man is a great woman ? I'd like to place a slight variation to that statement...Behind ever great man is an even greater women in the personage of Mrs Hazel Hawke. A truly great lady and an even greater humanitarian.

Thank you so much Mrs Hazel Hawke RIP.

Dear o sung wu,

I watched "Australian Story," last night and it covered
Hazel Hawke's last moments. As her family members explained,
they were all determined to be with her right through it all.
They made sure that she felt loved, and was not alone. They
had flowers, and candles in her room, and lots of things that
meant a lot to her, such as favourite items of hers. There
was plenty of music as well. And the biggest surprise was when
Bob Hawke turned up. As the grandson explained - he stayed by
her side for hours - and sang her favourite song to her,
"Danny Boy." The grandson said his grandfather had a beautiful
strong voice and when he finished the song, and bent down to
kiss her, Hazel simply beamed at him. There was definitely
something there between them.

This gave them both a sense of closure, and according to the
grandson and family, it brought so much peace to every one.

I cried watching the program. It was so moving.

Hi there LEXI...

Indeed, Mrs Hazel Hawke was a 'grand' lady with all the import that word may convey.

Unlike her ex husband Bob, Hazel Hawke was rock solid pillar of of grace and humility. Bob dumped her for a younger more sexier and healthy female just as soon as he knew Hazel was smitten with a disease he would have to cater for and to for the rest of her life.
"In sickness and in health" had no meaning for this ultimate immoralist.
I recall another a.....e of the same caliber; one Paul Hogan. I am sure they will get their just rewards in the end.
See you in heaven Hazel

G'day CHRISGAFF1000...

Nice one mate, nice one.

Dear Chris,

Do you really think that Bob Hawke replaced Hazel
with a sexier, healthier female?

Do you wear glasses?

She's a bit "mummified" for my taste.
She was what people used to call a
suicide blonde - dyed by her own hand.

Sorry, could not resist.

Good evening to you LEXI...

That's a good one, it takes a lady to determine a lady !