Bethenny Frankel is grieving the loss of her mother, Bernadette Birk, who passed away at 73 after a battle with lung cancer, sharing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram about their complex relationship and her mother’s struggles. Frankel reflects on her own challenging childhood, her mother’s impact on her, and how it shaped her into a survivor, emphasizing the importance of breaking the cycle for her daughter, Bryn, and cherishing the reconnection and bond her mother and daughter shared.
Bethenny Frankel is mourning the loss of her mother, Bernadette Birk, who passed away at 73 after a battle with lung cancer, sharing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram about their complex relationship and her mother’s struggles.
Bethenny Frankel is going through a tough time. She recently lost her mother, Bernadette Birk, to lung cancer at the age of 73. The news came out on a quiet Friday, April 19.
Frankel, a star from *The Real Housewives of New York City*, took to Instagram. There, she shared her heartache and some photos that captured memories of her mom. It’s clear their relationship was complicated, to say the least.
“She was complex,” Frankel wrote, “in pain, isolated, and had demons.” Yet, she described her mother as the most stunning woman, one who left her abusive home, mirroring how Frankel fled her own. It’s poignant, really. Frankel was born on her mom’s birthday.
Her mom had a life filled with struggles. From a lifelong eating disorder to alcoholism and abuse. Despite these challenges, Frankel recalls her mother’s brilliance, humor, and wisdom. She taught Frankel about food, wit, culture, and strength. “She loved to dance,” Frankel reminisced.
Growing up was tough for Frankel. She had to mature way faster than her daughter, Bryn, who’s now 13. Frankel’s childhood was filled with experiences no child should ever go through. But it made her strong, a survivor. She’s determined to break the cycle for Bryn.
After Bryn was born, Frankel and her mom reconnected. Bryn and Birk shared a love of art, a special bond. Frankel reflects on her mom’s life, describing her as selfish yet selfless in her final wishes. Birk left everything to Bryn, wanting a simple cremation and only Frankel to be notified of her passing.
Frankel sensed her mom’s passing, feeling a release of trauma as she danced in her favorite dress. She mourns not just the loss but the life, the loneliness, and the missed opportunities. “Goodbye mom, Bonnie, Bernadette. You did the best you could,” Frankel writes, acknowledging her mother’s struggle and peace now.
In her tribute, Frankel touches on the pain of not having a traditional family but finds solace in her friends, her daughter, and her followers. They’ve become her family. She ends with a call to action, urging people to reach out to those with whom they have a complicated relationship.
Frankel’s journey from a tumultuous childhood to a focused parent is clear. She’s opened up about raising Bryn, navigating the tricky waters of teenage years with love and protection. Frankel loves being a parent, cherishing Bryn’s creativity and freedom.
Though she’s left the *Real Housewives* behind, Frankel stays busy. She hosts podcasts, runs a disaster relief initiative, BStrong, and leads the health and beauty brand Skinnygirl. Her life, filled with both public and private battles, continues to unfold in the spotlight and in her personal endeavors.
