Mum's eyes 'lit up': Sussan Ley honours her mother after historic Liberal leadership and personal loss
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has paid tribute to her mother and “inspiration” who died just days after her daughter became the first woman to lead the Liberal Party.
Ms Ley was deep in negotiations with Nationals leader David Littleproud to reach a new coalition agreement following the federal election loss, while tending to her dying mother.
Angela Braybrooks’ funeral service will be held at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Albury on Friday morning.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Nationals quit the coalition days after the death of Ms Braybrooks before the political parties later patched up their differences.
The opposition leader said Ms Braybrooks was “comfortable and at peace” in her final moments.
“My family and I feel this loss deeply,” she said in a statement.
Ms Ley paid tribute to the mental health nurse who she said had helped “so many people throughout her life”.
She credited her mother with teaching her the values of resilience, self-reliance and persistence.
“Like so many of her generation, she weathered uncertain times with strength and determination,’‘ Ms Ley said.
“I have taken inspiration from her every single day of my life and I always will.”
Ms Ley said their parish priest had organised a FaceTime call urging Ms Braybrooks to “hang on” to see one more special moment in her daughter’s life.
“Whilst mum was no longer verbal, she watched every moment of my press conference,” she said.
“As I walked back into her room that afternoon, her eyes lit up with excitement.
“It was a moment I will treasure, forever.”
Ms Ley thanked the many Australians who had expressed sympathies to her and her family.
