The former wife of Labor’s longest serving prime minister Bob Hawke died peacefully aged 83, after suffering from some years from dementia. 

Her daughter, Sue Pieters-Hawke, said ”The family appreciates the great affection many have for Hazel, but ask for privacy at this stage. There will be a private funeral for family and close friends. A memorial celebration of her life will be held later at a time and place to be advised.”

Hazel and Bob were married for 38 years, having met at a church camp when they were 18. They divorced in 1994. Mrs Hawke became the public face of a campaign to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s when she revealed a decade ago that she had the disease reports News.com.au.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said: ”We have lost a wonderful Australian. Ordinary Australians saw the best of themselves in Hazel – many women of her generation will feel they have lost a friend.”

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