The Real Housewives of Orange County‘s Vicki Gunvalson shared some very sad news with fans today as she revealed that her mother Joanne Steinmetz died unexpectedly last night at the age of 83. Vicki explained how she found out and wrote an emotional tribute online as her RHOC co-stars have taken to social media to show their support, including Tamra Judge.
Vicki posted the photo above of her and her mom Joanne on instagram along with this message:
Tonight I received a phone call that is every person’s worst nightmare. My amazing, beautiful and strong mother passed on and is now with the love of her life my father in heaven. I am who I am today, because of her. An amazing cook, organized, bold personality and had a sense of style and fashion that I adored. I miss you so much mommy! My life will never be the same without you to give me advice and your wisdom. You were so healthy and so vibrant and so beautiful. I still need you. I love you MOM.
She iterated her grief on Facebook. “Last night I received one of the worse phone calls of my life. My mother died suddenly and unexpectantly in her home last night. I will never be the same without my mothers love, wisdom and strength. I love you mommy!”
Vicki’s sister Lisa shared the news on Facebook. “The most shocking evening,” she wrote,” going to check on my mom to find she passed away tonight. Sick to my stomach.” She later added in the comments that her mother “died in her bed, appears to be peacefully.”
Vicki and Lisa both shared photos of the family from around Christmas:
Tamra Judge took to instagram to offer her condolences. “@vickigunvalson we have gone through so much together and I love you like a sister. I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. Your mom is now with your dad dancing in heaven.” The message was accompanied by this photo of Tamra and Vicki together:
Lizzie Rovsek also offered up her sympathies on Twitter:
Sending tons of prayers & love your way @vgunvalson I'm heartbroken for you May God grant you & your family peace during this time.
— Elizabeth Rovsek (@LizzieRovsek) February 5, 2015
Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, and Vicki’s father, William Steinmetz, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 67. Vicki shared this photo of her mom and dad together on instagram:
Our thoughts are with Vicki and the Steinmetz family. It sounds as though the OG from the OC may have actually usurped that OG title from her amazing mother. 🙂
