Federal Labor MP Brendan O'Connor has paid tribute to the humour and strength of his wife Jodi Dack, who has died after a long battle with serious illness.
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Ms Dack was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and, despite going through invasive treatment, the cancer returned two years later.
Mr O'Connor took leave from parliament last year to spend time with his ill wife as she went through yet another round of intensive medical treatment.
Ms Dack passed away on Thursday, surrounded by close family.
"Jodi was wise. She was strong. She was funny. She was gracious. She was generous and kind. She lived life to the fullest," Mr O'Connor said in a statement on Friday.
Colleagues including Labor Leader Bill Shorten expressed their sympathies.
"To know Jodi was to love her. A wonderful mum, a devoted wife and such a strong, funny, kind and generous soul. Our hearts go out to Brendan and Una," Mr Shorten said.
"Her courage and grace in the face of such a formidable illness will never be forgotten by any of us who bore witness to it."
Mr O'Connor said many of his wife's most endearing traits were evident in their daughter Una Rose.
"For Jodi, being Una's mum was the most important role of her too-short life."
He thanked all of those who had shown kindness to the family throughout Ms Dack's illness.
"It is a testament to her character that there were so many. We will love her and miss her forever," he said.
Australian Associated Press
