Bethenny Frankel reveals her mother, Bernadette Birk, passed away after battling lung cancer

Bethenny Frankel, the former “Real Housewives of New York City” star, is facing the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Bernadette Birk, who passed away at the age of 73 from lung cancer. In an emotional Instagram post, Frankel shared a tribute to her mother, highlighting the complexities of their relationship and the challenges her mother faced throughout her life.

Frankel described her mother as a complex and stunning woman who struggled with various issues such as an eating disorder, alcoholism, abuse, smoking, and self-destruction. Despite these challenges, Frankel acknowledged her mother’s love for her and shared that she has beautiful memories of her despite the difficult circumstances.

The reality star revealed that she endured things that no young child should experience while under her mother’s care. However, she also credited those struggles for making her a strong, tough survivor who can handle anything life throws at her.

Frankel recently reconnected with her mother so that her 13-year-old daughter, Bryn, could have the opportunity to know and love her grandmother. She shared that her mother adored Bryn and had one friend, fulfilling Frankel’s wish that her mother wouldn’t be alone during her final days.

In her tribute, Frankel expressed her deep sense of loss and mourning for her mother, whom she referred to as Bonnie and Bernadette. She reflected on the positive moments she shared with her mother and expressed a desire to remember her during happier times.

The reality star also shared a touching moment where she felt a “sixth sense” that her mother had passed away and began releasing some trauma by dancing to a song in her mother’s favorite dress. Frankel expressed her longing for the affectionate memories of her mother during moments of happiness and mourned the loss of her mother’s ability to experience motherhood fully.

Despite the challenges and complexities of their relationship, Frankel emphasized the importance of connecting with loved ones, even in the face of a complicated past. She urged her followers to call, connect, and hug their loved ones, emphasizing the significance of these relationships, no matter the circumstances.

Numerous reality stars offered their condolences to Frankel in the comments section of her post, acknowledging the rawness and authenticity of her tribute to her mother. Messages of support and sympathy poured in from stars like Guedry Abraira, Vicki Gunvalson, and Snooki, who expressed their condolences and offered their thoughts and prayers to Frankel during this difficult time.

Frankel and her mother have had a tumultuous relationship over the years, with Frankel previously sharing that her mother was never truly a mother to her and that she was raised by her stepfather, John Parisella, from a young age. Despite the challenges they faced, Frankel’s tribute to her mother reflects a deep sense of loss and longing for the affection and love that existed amidst their complicated relationship.

In mourning the loss of her mother, Frankel’s heartfelt tribute serves as a reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones, no matter the circumstances. As she navigates this difficult time, Frankel’s message of connection and love resonates with all who have experienced the loss of a loved one.