Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s heartbreaking loss
Penny Wong has shared the devastating news of her mother's passing.
The Australian Foreign Minister took to Instagram to pay tribute to her mother, Jane Chapman, who passed away on Sunday.
"Yesterday my beloved mother, Jane Chapman, left us peacefully," she began her post.
"Mum was a woman of exceptional intellect and penetrating insight, of mischievous wit and endless curiosity.
“Most of all she was a woman of deep compassion and principle,” Wong said.
“She gave expression to her compassion through her courage and determination for justice, qualities that have steeled me through all my life’s challenges.
“Through her work, her choices, her courage and her deeds, she inspired and empowered me and so many others.
"Mum loved me completely. And she loved her granddaughters Alexandra and Hannah beyond measure," she continued.
"We will miss her terribly."
She then thanked Tony Michele and the staff at Mary Potter Hospice for taking care of her mum and for their kindness.
Parliamentary colleagues and the public shared their condolences in the comments.
"My heart goes out to you. Nothing can prepare us for the loss of a parent. Jane was an incredible woman. Sending love to you and the family," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote.
"Sorry for your loss Penny. Losing your mum is so incredibly hard," added TV personality and former Gogglebox star Yvie Jones.
"Your mum was great. Staunch, fierce, funny. I and aĺl her yoga class friends will miss her," one person wrote.
"Words are completely inadequate at a time like this. I am so very sorry for your loss Penny. I hope the love and support of friends and family can offer you some comfort," added another.
Chapman married Chinese-Malay architect Francis Wong while he was studying in Adelaide on a scholarship and shared two children together Penny and Toby.
When they divorced, Chapman moved back to South Australia with her children.
In 2001, 10 days after his 30th birthday and on the same day Wong was elected to the senate, Toby took his own life.
Francis Wong passed away in May 2023.
Image: Instagram