Bethenny Frankel reveals that her mother Bernadette Birk passed away from lung cancer

Bethenny Frankel, former star of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” is mourning the loss of her mother, Bernadette Birk, who passed away at the age of 73 from lung cancer. In an emotional Instagram post, Frankel shared her feelings about her complex relationship with her mother, highlighting the struggles and demons that Birk faced throughout her life.

According to Frankel, her mother was a stunning woman who battled with issues such as eating disorders, alcoholism, abuse, and self-destructive behavior. Despite these challenges, she expressed love for her daughter and left behind beautiful memories. Frankel acknowledged the pain and isolation her mother experienced and shared her own experiences of enduring hardships under Birk’s care.

In recent years, Frankel reconnected with her mother so that her 13-year-old daughter, Bryn, could know and love her grandmother. Despite their complicated relationship, Frankel highlighted the bond between her mother and daughter, describing how Birk adored Bryn and shared a love of art with her. Frankel expressed gratitude that her mother was not alone in her final days and reflected on the complexities of their relationship.

Throughout her post, Frankel emphasized the importance of cherishing loved ones and connecting with them, even in the midst of complicated relationships. She encouraged her followers to reach out, call, and hug their loved ones, recognizing the value of those connections.

The reality star also shared her grief and nostalgia for the mother she knew as a child, acknowledging the emotional impact of her mother’s passing. Frankel recalled moments of happiness and love from her mother’s past and expressed a deep sense of loss for the unfulfilled potential of their relationship.

Despite the challenges and pain of their relationship, Frankel offered a message of peace and acceptance for her mother. She bid farewell to her mother, acknowledging the struggles and flaws she faced during her lifetime and expressing a sense of closure and freedom in her passing.

The post elicited an outpouring of condolences from fellow reality stars, who commended Frankel for her candid and heartfelt tribute to her mother. Messages of support and sympathy flooded the comments section, with many expressing their admiration for Frankel’s honesty and vulnerability in sharing her grief.

As Frankel navigates the grief of losing her mother, she remains grateful for the moments of connection and love they shared, despite the complexities of their relationship. Through her heartfelt words and emotional tribute, Frankel honors the memory of her mother and encourages others to cherish their relationships with their loved ones, no matter the challenges they may face.