Labor frontbencher’s heartfelt tribute as wife loses breast cancer battle

Federal Labor frontbencher Brendan O’Connor has issued a heartfelt tribute following the tragic death of his beloved wife Jodi Dack.

In a messaged shared on his Facebook page, O’Connor revealed that his wife passed away on Thursday after a long battle with breast cancer. He said she was surrounded by her close family and the people who loved her most.

“It is with profound sadness that I announce the death, yesterday, of my wife Jodi Dock,” he wrote. “Jodi passed away surrounded by her close family, those who loved her best.

“Jodi was wise. She was strong. She was funny. She was gracious. She was generous and kind. She lived life to the fullest.”

O’Connor explained that the best traits of his wife were also evident in their precious daughter, Una Rose. He added: “For Jodi, being Una’s Mum was the most important role of her too-short life.

“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. On behalf of her family and friends I thank everyone for the many kindnesses shown to us throughout Jodi’s illness. It is a testament to her character that there were so many.”

Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten also paid his respects on Twitter. “To know Jodi was to love her,” he wrote. “A wonderful Mum, a devoted wife and such a strong, funny, kind and generous soul. Our hearts go out to Brendan and Una.”

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.

— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) August 9, 2018

Others shared their condolences to the O’Connor family on Facebook.

One message read: “Very sad news. Lots of love to you and Una Rose. Our thoughts are with you.”

Another person wrote: “No matter who we are it is so sad when we lose our loved ones. You’ll be in our thoughts Brendan.”

A third added: “So very sad for you and your daughter, such a massive loss in your lives. Sincere condolences to you both.”

O’Connor has been a Labor member of Federal Parliament since 2001. He is currently the Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.

Do you have a message for Brendan O’Connor and his family? Have you ever lost anyone to cancer?