She said Mrs Hawke had the ability to bring out the good in people, and could talk with anybody and make them feel comfortable. In happier times: Bob Hawke and Hazel on the night of his election win in 1983. "I know she's loved, and since the news tonight my phone's practically worn out with people sending me messages and emails," Ms McCarthy told ABC TV on Thursday. "I think it's that sense that Hazel was always there for all of us." The family said in a statement that they appreciated the great affection many had for Hazel, 83, but asked for privacy at this stage.

They said there would 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. Mrs Hawke was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2001. She announced it publicly on the ABC series Australian Story in 2003 and gradually withdrew from public life. Her daughter, Sue Pieters-Hawke, became an national campaigner for dementia awareness and in 2011 released a biography, Hazel: My Mother's Story. In 2012, surgeon Gillian Dunlop entered a portrait of Mrs Hawke, called I'm Still Here, in the Archibald Prize, a diptych depicting her before and after developing the disease.

Dr Dunlop told Fairfax Media at the time she was inspired to paint Mrs Hawke when she visited the National Portrait Gallery and found there was no painting of the national icon. "She is a woman who shaped Australia, and Australians have such strong regard for her," she said. "A lot of people wonder about her and how she is going." Ms Pieters-Hawke said in the article that while her mother was not able to understand what was happening, she was still a vibrant person who was involved in the process. "She was patting my cheek and smiling, beaming," she said.

Alzheimers awareness campaigners last night praised Mrs Hawke for reaching out to others about her condition. Ita Buttrose, President of Alzheimer’s Australia, said Mrs Hawke was "the first and only well-known Australian to speak publicly about her life with Alzheimer’s disease". "Her courage to speak openly about her dementia journey has left a lasting legacy in raising the profile of Alzheimer's disease and reducing the strong sense of isolation that thousands of Australians with dementia experience. "It took remarkable courage to make public appearances after her diagnosis in order to raise awareness of the disease and tackle stigma head on." Glenn Rees, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Australia said: “She made a great and personal commitment to dementia research and particularly to improving the quality of dementia care through the Hazel Hawke Alzheimer’s Research and Care Fund," Mr Rees said.

Tributes began flooding in for the former first lady, including those from the other side of politics. Prime Minister Julia Gillard said we had lost "a wonderful Australian" and that many women of her generation will feel they have lost a friend. Mr Hawke's treasurer and successor as prime minister Paul Keating said Mrs Hawke was a wonderful person who had contributed much to her community. "She was a person of her time, who conducted her life in a no-nonsense way, free of any airs and graces," Mr Keating said in a statement. "During my time as Treasurer, (my wife) Annita and I spent many happy and friendly hours with her.

"We know how much she will be missed, especially by her family and more widely, by the Australian people." Treasurer Wayne Swan said Mrs Hawke was a woman of grace, admired by many, and she will be missed. New South Wales Opposition Leader John Robertson has also offered his condolences, saying Ms Hawke was a strong woman with great character and dignity. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said Mrs Hawke was "widely respected and admired in our community". "She was much loved for her courage in facing up to and raising awareness of Alzheimer's disease.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this sad time.

"She will be greatly missed." Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce praised Mrs Hawke as "A good person - God bless". "Hazel Hawke: she was the Australian representation of the warmth and familiarity of a mum," Senator Joyce tweeted. Greens Leader Christine Milne tweeted: "Vale Hazel Hawke". "A wonderful contribution to the life of the nation incl WWF, NSW Heritage Council, Children’s television,music + the Arts".

Labor MP Ed Husic tweeted that he was "Truly saddened to hear of the passing of a great Australian". Emily's List, an organisation for supporting and promoting Labor women, tweeted they were saddened to hear of Mrs Hawke's death. Minister for Ageing Mark Butler, who in 2011 launched the biography Hazel: My Mother's Story, by her daughter Sue Pieters-Hawke, said his thoughts were with the former first lady's family and friends. "An inspiring Australian leader and perhaps our bravest Dementia campaigner," he wrote on Twitter. And Labor backbencher Steve Gibbons described Mrs Hawke as "a most handsome and elegant person and a great Australian".

ACTU Assistant Secretary Tim Lyons says very few people get and then keep a nation's respect and affection like Hazel Hawke. Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey said he was "so sorry" to hear of Mrs Hawke's death. Loading "She was a constituent, and was immensely respected by many Australians," he tweeted. with AAP

