Sydney Hub: Hazel Hawke: state memorial service being held at Sydney Opera House

Updated June 25, 2013 13:38:29

Hazel Hawke is being remembered this afternoon at a state memorial service at the Sydney Opera House.

The ex-wife of former prime minister Bob Hawke died last month aged 83 from Alzheimer's complications.

She was diagnosed with the disease in 2003 and used her profile to raise dementia awareness.

In the days following Ms Hawke's death, Prime Minister Julia Gillard spoke in parliament of a deeply loved and admired public figure.

"A woman who lifted the spirits of a nation and brought a touch of warmth and humanity to the Hawke years," she said.

Ms Gillard will attend this afternoon's memorial alongside other dignitaries including Governor-General Quentin Bryce and former prime ministers John Howard, Kevin Rudd and Mr Hawke.

Mr and Ms Hawke divorced in 1995 after almost 40 years of marriage.

Following her death, the former prime minister paid tribute to her.

"She was more than a wife and mother, being father as well, during my frequent absences as I pursued an industrial then political career," Mr Hawke said in a statement.

"I think there is general agreement that Hazel did an outstanding job as Australia's First Lady from 1983 to 1991. She was a constant support, particularly through some very difficult times.

"Our three children, Susan, Stephen and Rosslyn, adored their mother as did our six grandchildren, and my thoughts are very much with them at this time."

Sue Pieters-Hawke said her mother died surrounded by family and friends in a warm and loving atmosphere, humming and playing piano until the end.

"She managed to connect with people and really that has been one of Mum's defining characteristics throughout her life, is just that ability to connect with anybody and everybody," she said last month.